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2012-02-04, 07:11 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Never shine doing what I'm shown. . . . -Metallica
Originally Posted by Mayael
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2012-02-04, 07:12 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
He has a knack for this.
Originally Posted by Nakam Ovilka
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2012-02-04, 07:16 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Folks dread to see him come. . . .
Originally Posted by Yojana Mulsh
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2012-02-04, 07:20 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
His friends call him "Bob".
Originally Posted by Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk
Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk
Ke Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk, qhari kyor,
Da'tik-Dre'de ke-g'kaluk,
tik-tik chik-cha'ik.
Ke tak-dre.SpoilerI am the Great Hunter of Distant Planes, bringer of vengeance,
Consecrated Harrier of my tribe,
defender of the faith.
I am your death.
The MenuSpoilerThri-Kreen Fighter 2 / Ranger 1 / Jaunter 4 / Consecrated Harrier 10
Str 16, Dex 20, Con 13, Int 15, Cha 8
Speed 60
{table=head]Level|Class|Base [div]Attack[/div][div]Bonus[/div]|Fort[div]Save[/div]|Ref[div]Save[/div]|Wil[div]Save[/div]|Feats|Class Features
1st|Monstrous Humanoid 1|+1|+0|+2|+2|Expeditious Dodge|-
2nd|Monstrous Humanoid 2|+2|+0|+3|+3|-|-
3rd|Level Adjustment 1|+2|+0|+3|+3|-|-
4th|Fighter 1|+3|+2|+3|+3|Mobility, Multiweapon Fighting|Bonus Feat, Hit-and-Run Tactics
5th|Fighter 2|+4|+3|+3|+3|Spring Attack|Bonus Feat
6th|Ranger, Planar 1|+5|+5|+5|+3|Track|Favored enemy (Elves), Track, wild empathy
7th|Jaunter 1|+5|+5|+7|+3|Multiattack|Travel power, benign transposition
8th|Jaunter 2|+6|+5|+8|+3|-|Baleful transposition, fast movement
9th|Jaunter 3|+7|+6|+8|+4|-|Dimension door, teleport
10th|Jaunter 4|+8|+6|+9|+4|Improved Multiweapon Fighting|Freedom of movement, plane shift
11th|Consecrated Harrier 1|+9|+6|+9|+6|-|Blessing of scripture +2, detect chaos
12th|Consecrated Harrier 2|+10|+6|+9|+7|-|Sanctified sight
13th|Consecrated Harrier 3|+11|+7|+10|+7|Multitasking|Dispel magic
14th|Consecrated Harrier 4|+12|+7|+10|+8|-|Crushing despair
15th|Consecrated Harrier 5|+13|+7|+10|+8|-|Blessing of scripture +4
16th|Consecrated Harrier 6|+14|+8|+11|+9|Bounding Assault|False vision
17th|Consecrated Harrier 7|+15|+8|+11|+9|-|—
18th|Consecrated Harrier 8|+16|+8|+11|+10|-|Implacable hunt
19th|Consecrated Harrier 9|+17|+9|+12|+10|Travel Devotion|—
20th|Consecrated Harrier 10|+18|+9|+12|+11|-|Blessing of scripture +6, faultless hunt
[/table](Skills by level is addressed in the next section)
Ability Scores
{table=head]Ability|Base|Racial|Levels|Total|Mods
Strength|14|+2||16|+3
Dexterity|16|+4||20|+5
Constitution|13||+1|14|+2
Intelligence|15|-2|+2|15|+2
Wisdom|9|+2|+1|12|+1
Charisma|10|-4||6|-2[/table]
+1 Int at 4th and 8th levels to qualify for Multitasking in time.
+1 Wis/Con at 12th and 16th levels to make the numbers even.
The First CourseSpoilerAlone in the desert, the fierce hunter stalked his prey. The small animal he hunted was spooked, but it had not spotted him. The epitome of stealth, grace, and death, he rushed his foe and tore the life from it and began to feast on its flesh. The lizard was dead, and the mighty thri-kreen warrior stood tall, proud, eight mighty inches of pure terrifying death.
He had only just hatched the day before, and his instincts were sharp, though his mind not yet formed. He knew not to wander too far from the nest, but the lizard was too tempting a feast. As his mandibles begin to tear into the flesh of the lizard, a new scent arrives on the breeze, a powerful scent of sweet, delectable meat, irresistible. As he raises his head, from his kill, the hatchling rushes towards the scent. Across the sands he runs, at last catching up with the intoxicating aroma. Cresting the last small dune, he sees a tall, humanoid towering over him. This was the source of the scent, his racial memories providing the name of this exquisite meal. "Elf"
Rushing toward his target, its great size invoking no fear in his tiny frame, the kreen leaps into the air in ambush, only to be caught up in the spell the oblivious elf was casting for his allies, whisking them away from this plane. Disoriented and cut off from his home, the hatchling kreen finds himself lost in an endless maze of deep, crisscrossing canyons filled with people, noise, and filth. For the first time in his short life, he felt fear.
Lost and alone, the kreen hatchling learns to live in the city. He must live off of his speed and his agility, or he must die. Catching anything he can, he seldom stops moving and learns to quickly dart in, strike, and get out without his prey ever having the chance to strike back. He begins to grow and mature, the racial memories of his people flooding his mind as he tries to learn about his environment.
Dejluk n'chtik. Chtik'dul-luk? Luk no'riik? Ral'tek thri-kreen kal? G'lat-draj kyor kal ke-zer'ti haldraj-zer?ECL 1-5SpoilerTranslation:
This is all so wrong. Where are the dunes? Where is the blazing heat? Where are the great tribes of warrior kreen? Why do the mammals get so upset when I dine on delicious elf meat?
SpoilerThe, as yes unnamed, thri-kreen starts off his life only to be "abducted" to a far distant city on another plane of existence. True he's never actually eight inches tall, but it made for a better story that way and took place before "game play" starts.
Class Levels
He, of course, starts off with his two racial hit dice and his +1 Level Adjustment, +1 instead of being +2 due to not being naturally psionic. Quickly learning to fight but relying on his speed, he takes two levels in Fighter with the Hit-and-Run Tactics ACF, which is beneficial to him but also fits thematically with the character.
1Feats
Trait - Quick
HD1 – Expeditious Dodge
Racial Bonus – Deflect Arrows
HD3 – Mobility
Fighter 1 – Multiweapon Fighting
Fighter 2 – Spring Attack
His focus with feats is obviously fighting and avoiding being attack. He's a quick hit-and-run style combatant, never standing in one place for too long. However, if he does get pinned down, Multiweapon Fighting gives him an edge with full attacks.
Quick is a perfect trait for him. It adds +10 to his land speed but makes him lose 1hp/level. The hit point loss is mitigated, because he focuses on not getting hit, as you will see later.
1Skills
1st level – Balance 2 ranks, Disguise 2 ranks, Hide 4 ranks, Tumble 1 rank
2nd level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 2.5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Tumble 1 rank
3rd level – (Level Adjustment)
4th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 3 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Tumble 3 ranks
5th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 3.5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Tumble 5 ranks
Starting from level 1, Jump has 0 ranks but has a +41 modifier. At 5th level, it increases to +43 (+30 racial, +8 from 50' speed, +3 Str, +2 synergy with Tumble).
At early levels he focuses on trying to hide and blend in but also on better navigating his surroundings and avoiding attack.
1Tactics
His primary tactic is to use Spring Attack to hit and avoid attack. He gets a +2 dodge bonus to AC from Expeditious Dodge whenever he moves at least 40 feet, and with the +4 dodge bonus from Mobility, he's not likely to be taking attacks. Spring Attack lets him avoid attack from a single target, and his high AC, high Dex, and a few ranks in Tumble let him hopefully avoid any other attacks he might take from movement.
Spring Attack helps him out quite a bit in the city too, as he can move his full speed and attack, but, unlike a charge, it does not have to be in a straight line. This allows him to use alleys and other terrain to the best benefit, but most importantly, it lets him take full advantage of his +30 racial bonus to Jump checks. He can move, attack, then jump away to a balcony or the roof of a low building and completely avoid his enemies. Though not wonderful at it, a few ranks in Hide allows him to Jump to a location with cover, drop behind it, and Hide from sight, further protecting him.
One day, the adolescent kreen spots a lone elf in the alley, obviously not paying attention to his surroundings. He had not had fresh meat in nearly two weeks, not long for a kreen, but his hunger was rising, and the intoxicating scent of fresh elf was not helping. He had been laying low lately, as he had earned somewhat of a notorious reputation in this vast city. This lone elf, however, was too good of an opportunity to miss.
Darting in, the kreen slashes at it with a short blade he had "found," only to discover his feet were stuck fast to the ground! Struggle as he might, he could not break free.
"Kal ke'kluk?! Ke kcha-tak!"
"Calm yourself, little one. I'm not going to hurt you. In fact, I have your best interests at heart."
Despite not believing him, the kreen becomes still, waiting for an opportunity to strike and free himself from whatever forces held him immobile.
"They have placed a bounty on your head. Do you know what that means?"
He gives one curt nod and clacks his mandibles in frustration.
"No, I'm not here to collect. I'm here to save you, remove you from the city. I have a job for one of your talents. Come with me, work for me, and I'll teach you to go anywhere you desire, where none can follow you."
Despite his better judgment and overwhelming desire to eat this particular elf, the kreen agrees.
"Good. Tell me your name."
"Ke n'uk. Ke'nk na'uk-noa."
"Well, if you haven't yet earned a name then I won't insult you by giving you one. I'll call you Kreen."
Kreen simply glares in response.
The elf offers his hand to the kreen, who tentatively pokes at it. With a brilliant flash of light, the elf transports them to a heavily forested land. Over the next year, the elf and kreen travel together hunting bounties across the planes. The kreen hones his tracking skills and begins to learn the magics of teleportation, which he views simply as leaping in a different manner.
One particular stop is of note, for on this stop, the kreen discovers an herb, recognition in his racial memory draws him to it.
"Zik-thok... Ke la'zik-thok!"
"You found 'zik-thok'? What is that?"
"Si'thok kreen tsu-dasl! Ke tsu-dasl'gythka!"
"Plants you use... what? I don't follow you. What about the gythka weapon? What is dasl?"
"Tak n'cha'dul. Chak'sariis."
Taking some of the herb, the kreen begins to chew it, injecting his natural poison into the herb and working it with his mandibles until it becomes a purple, frothy mess. This he spits into the sand and begins to work it into the shape of a three pronged blade. The blade of a gythka. The mixture hardens into crystal as he works, sharpening it into the tool of the thri-kreen. Stronger than steel, sharp as obsidian, hard as diamond. Dasl, the crystalline substance only thri-kreen can create, the substance of which all true kreen warriors forge their weaponry.
"Ker dasl."
"Amazing..."
That night, while the elf endured his nightly trance, the kreen slit his throat and consumed him. A delicious meal well worth the wait.
ECL 6-10SpoilerClass Levels
At sixth level, the kreen takes a level of Planar Ranger, learning to track his quarry across the many planes the two travel.
He then begins to take levels in Jaunter, learning quickly how to teleport around, and eventually evenn to leap between planes.
Jaunter I felt was a natural extension to the thri-kreen, as it follows along with his high speed abilities and use of jumping and erratic movement. The additional speed bonus means he now has 60 feet of movement per turn.
1Feats
Ranger 1 – Track
HD6 – Multiattack
HD9 – Improved Multiweapon Fighting
His feat focus shifts more towards fighting the best with what he has. His class levels give him the mobility he needs, so his feats focus elsewhere. He takes Multiattack to be able to use his claws and bit attack more effectively, and he takes Improved Multiweapon Fighting to get in more attacks when he gets pinned down and can make full attacks.
1Skills
6th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 3.5 ranks, Gather Information 3 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 4 ranks, Tumble 5 ranks.
7th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 4 ranks, Gather Information 3.5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 2 ranks, Tumble 5 ranks.
8th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 4.5 ranks, Gather Information 4 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 5 ranks, Tumble 5 ranks.
9th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 4.5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 8 ranks, Tumble 5 ranks.
10th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 10 ranks, Tumble 7 ranks.
At 8th level, the kreen's speed increases to 60 ft., increasing his Jump modifier to +47 (+30 racial, +12 from 60' speed, +3 Str, +2 synergy with Tumble).
These levels show the character's slight shift in focus from movement and avoidance to skills more useful in tracking his targets. However, he is still focusing on avoiding attacks and trying (albeit poorly) to avoid detection.
1Tactics
His tactics do not change much across these levels as far as basic attacking goes. He still utilizes Spring Attack and full attacks when caught in melee with his enemies.
Ranger doesn't change too much. He picks up Favored Enemy Humanoid (Elf), because they're just so darn tasty.
However, he picks up a number of powerful abilities from Jaunter. Benign and baleful transposition give him much greater movement options on the battlefield as well as allowing him to switch places with allies and enemies, putting them in the most beneficial positions possible. He also picks up teleport and dimension door, granting him even more movement options. At 4th level, he finishes the prestige class and picks up its capstone abilities: Freedom of Movement and Plane Shift. Now, nothing can hold him, and he can "leap" anywhere he desires.
The Second CourseSpoiler
At long last, the kreen finds his way home. Crossing the sands of his birth, his instincts return him to the very spot of his birth. Freshly laid eggs hidden under the sand tell him the pack is not far away. Using the skills learned through his planar travels, the kreen chases the tracks of his former pack. Cresting the final dune, three guards emerge from the sands, having lain in wait for this lone kreen.
Gythkas whirl, and blood is spilled. One of the guards is thrown to the ground, and our kreen holds his gythka to its throat. Stepping back, he lifts his weapon above his head and clicks his mandibles in triumph, his pheromones permeating the air. Recognizing his scent as their own, the three warriors welcome him into the tribe.
He is led before the Ik, the priest of their tribe. It is this priest who judges the rites of passage and bestows the names upon those kreen who have survived their ordeal. Here, however, was a kreen who was not raised as part of the pack, had no clutch of his own, and yet endured great trials only to return triumphant. The story of his life told, the priest blesses him and confers upon him a name. Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk, or Great Hunter of Distant Planes.
That night, Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk and the other thri-kreen of age are led by the priest into the wastelands of the north on a pilgrimage. Arriving at the location, the supplicants gather in a half circle some distance from a strangely shaped mound of rock that Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk almost half recognizes. As the moon rises, the light strikes the great white marble head amidst the sandstone and granite of the valley. As one, the voice of the thri-kreen can be heard, "Chak'sa!" The racial memories of the Great One flooding through them is overwhelming. As each remembers the Great One who brought life to the world, they drop their heads to the ground and stretch out their antennae toward the massive image.
As their inborn knowledge tells them the ceremony ends, they reverently leave the site and return to the Ik. Those who are chosen shall serve in memory of the Great One while the rest return to the pack. Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk is chosen.
"Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk ats Da'tik-Dre'de."
"Ke-da Ral'kej datik."
"Tak se'a kaluk no'noa gythtik n'da-kreen dej'g qhari dre'de."
"Ke chat'dul."
"Tak zer'tik ak-g'kaluk de'no-na kcha-dea'dachu da'haazik. Kej dul thok'chak'sa. Dus-chak'sariis kej'chaka."
ECL 11-20Spoiler" Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk, you are to become a Consecrated Harrier."
"I am honored to serve the Great One."
"You will leave the pack tomorrow to bring vengeance upon the thri-kreen who dishonor our ancestral ways, bringing them atonement through death."
"I understand."
"Your first target attacked our tribe some nights ago, slaying a revered elder of the priesthood. He headed north. Be alert, he is psionic."
SpoilerClass Levels
At 11th level, he begins on the path of the Consecrated Harrier to serve his pack and tribe. He will excel in this role, because he is already uniquely adapted to it, able to track his quarry even across planes without outside help.
He takes Consecrated Harrier through to the end, finishing off his second prestige class.
1Feats
HD12 – Multitasking
HD15 – Bounding Assault
HD18 – Travel Devotion
His focus shifts entirely towards combat with the feats of his next few levels. These exact feats allow him to get the absolute most out of Spring Attack and make it insane. I'll explain more in the Tactics section below.
Unfortunately, his BAB ends up 1 point too low to take Rapid Blitz. If LA Buy Off is allowed, take a full BAB class and TAKE RAPID BLITZ. This is not an option.
Since I am not using LA Buy Off in this build, I gave him Travel Devotion to allow him to have even more movement options, and it also fit the movement and travel theme I have going for him.
1Skills
11th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 11 ranks, Tumble 10 ranks.
12th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 12 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
13th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 1 rank, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 14 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
14th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 2 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 16 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
15th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 5 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 5 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 17 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
16th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 7 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 6 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 18 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
17th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 9 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 7 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 19 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
18th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 11 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 8 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 20 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
19th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 15 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 9 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 20 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
20th level – Balance 3 ranks, Disguise 5 ranks, Gather Information 19 ranks, Hide 5 ranks, Knowledge (local) 10 ranks, Knowledge (The Planes) 5 ranks, Survival 20 ranks, Tumble 13 ranks.
Over the next ten levels, Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk's skill focus changes over entirely to tracking and gathering information about his targets. He gains enough ranks to become adept at it while maintaining enough ranks in Tumble to guarantee avoiding at least one Attack of Opportunity each time he moves.
The Consecrated Harrier's bonus to Survival (and other skills) make Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk even more adept at what he does.
1Tactics
13th level is where Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk finally breaks the game. He picks up Multitasking. Having four arms, Multitasking allows him to do a different partial action with each set of arms anytime he can normally only do one action. The example the feat gives is as follows: if he uses a Standard Action to attack with one pair of arms, he can use the second pair of arms to cast a spell, activate a magic item, etc.
Pair this with Spring Attack. Spring attack allows you to move, attack as an "attack action," then finish your movement. As a partial action, the attack action allowed by Spring Attack allows Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk to use his second set of arms to do another action. This allows him to make a second attack, cast a spell, activate a magic item that takes a standard action, or use any of his spell-like abilities such as dispel magic, crushing despair, false vision, or one of the transpositions.
Now, before you follow the standard complaint against Spring Attack and say "attack action" is never defined, it actually is. An attack action is a subset of Standard Action.
Add in Bounding Assault, and Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk can Spring Attack a second target, allowing him to use Multitasking a second time in the same round! Rapid Blitz would allow a third use, but, as mentioned earlier, the build is 1 BAB short of acquiring it.
This feat combination allows Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk to make the absolute most of his abilities while constantly staying out of harm's way. A personal favorite tactic of mine is to use Spring Attack to attack a target and cast hold person on it, bounding away. The target is then stuck there, allowing me to Spring Attack back and forth on it with it unable to do anything against me.
With implacable hunt, Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk knows where his prey has gone and has the speed and mobility to chase it down before it can escape.
The capstone of Consecrated Harrier, faultless hunt, is perfect for Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk, as he can leap across planar boundaries to track his quarry without needing to rely on another spellcaster.
Side ItemsSpoilerThe only necessary item is a +2 Wis item so that he can use all of his spells. Without it, he's still rather powerful.
I also highly recommend a good Gythka, the racial weapon of the thri-kreen. You're just not a kreen without one!
A +Dex item would be useful, as it gives you more uses of Travel power with Jaunter, more AC, and better initiative.
You have 18 AC/15 Touch without armor, but some good light armor would obviously be useful. Just don't go with anything that would cut your speed or render your class abilities dependent on light armor useless.
Average hit points will be in the 90s, which isn't terrible considering the build is built around not getting hit. However, a Con boosting item would not be amiss.
Any magic items, wands, thrown weapons, or other things you can use with a standard action should not be overlooked. You're going to have plenty of chances to use them with this build.
Chef's NotesSpoilerI know I don't spend much time talking about Consecrated Harrier in this write up, but I don't feel as if it needs much more information. I covered all of its major abilities. I spent the majority of my technical write up on the supporting build, which is built entirely around supporting the Consecrated Harrier once he gets there. I tried to figure out the optimum build for travel and tracking as well as a way to obtain extra actions so the Consecrated Harrier can do his job to the best of his ability. With the extra actions and extreme mobility, Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk has all the options he needs to use every ability from Consecrated Harrier and its spells as well while still being able to attack in combat and move to full effect.
I also like that I manage to take two different prestige classes all the way through to their completion. Jaunter is only four levels long, and its plane shift capstone fits perfectly with Consecrated Harrier's capstone, allowing Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk to track across planes and then follow. That's the coolest part to me.
Thri-kreen was selected before I even considered doing anything else. It's, quite simply, my favorite race and has been for many years. If anyone is familiar with 2nd edition, they'll notice a number of references to the amazing fluff the thri-kreen received back then. I did include one location from that setting, but I tried diligently to create everything from scratch and tell the story as much from the point of view of the character as possibly without actually making it a first person monologue.
In closing, I just want to say that I really hope you enjoyed reading my submission.
IngredientsSpoilerThri-kreen (Shining South, p 73 or Monster Manual II, p 195)
Hit-and-Run Tactics Fighter (Drow of the Underdark, p 58)
Planar Ranger (Unearthed Arcana, p 55)
Jaunter PrC (Expedition to the Demonweb Pits, p 172)
Consecrated Harrier (Complete Divine, p 28)
Defect Arrows, Mobility, Spring Attack, Track (Players' Handbook)
Expeditious Dodge (Races of the Wild, p 150)
Multiattack, Multiweapon Fighting (Monster Manual, p 304)
Improved Multiweapon Fighting (Savage Species, p 36)
Multitasking (Savage Species, p 37)
Bounding Assault (Player's Handbook 2, p 75)
Travel Devotion (Complete Champion, p 62)
Kreen Language (Derived from second edition sources and developed by me)
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2012-02-04, 07:23 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
A sickly light, seeking.
Originally Posted by Cassius Humatiel
Cassius Humatiel, the Sickly Hunter- LN Lumi Psychic Warrior 3/Slayer 4/Binder 1/Consecrated Harrier 10
The Light of Truth
Spoiler"My son, have I told you of the light that all men fear? Take a seat, for this tale may be a long time in the telling...
There is a place, the sages say, that glows with the pure Light of Truth. This place, they say, is populated by beings made entirely of that same Light. They speak the truth, enforce the Law, and seek to right all wrongs created by those who lie and cheat and steal. Though their numbers are few, their skill is matched only by their dedication to absolute truth.
Most mortals tell lies. Little white lies, that make life easier. Sometimes it is simpler to hide the details and skip right to the point. This type of lie escapes the notice of the Light, but not for lack of trying on their part. They simply lack the manpower to track down every lie that has ever been told.
Some mortals, however, tell grand lies. Huge in scale, and massive in implication. These lies shape the world in many way, for good and for ill. Some lies can create or destroy nations. Those who tell these lies must be ever vigilant, for though the Light of Truth is pure, it has a sickly yellow brother..."
"The Harriers?"
"Yes, my son. The Harriers. A greenish-yellow light, speckled in brown. A once-pure soul now tainted and forever barred from returning to the Citadel. These outcasts work tirelessly on behalf of the Light of Truth to hunt down those who tell those massive lies. Their arrows shall find the liars out.
The Lumi, the eponymous beings of light, are fervent in their hatred of lies, distortion, and obfuscation. So much that a small number of them become the Harriers, a group who intentionally taint their own Light by accessing forgotten and forbidden magics: Binding. A sickly old woman, long since passed from mortal memory, gives them their diseased appearance in exchange for power.
The power to hunt down those responsible for the lies that offend the Light."
The Build
Spoiler{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Outsider Hit Die 1|+1|+2|+2|+2|Disguise 4, Gather Information 4, Knowledge: Local, Concentration 4, Listen 4, Search 4, Spot 4, Sense Motive 4, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 2, Psicraft 2|Improved Initiative, City Slicker|Body of Light, Clear Vision, Floating Head, Spell-like Abilities, Outsider traits
2nd|Outsider Hit Die 2|+2|+3|+3|+3|Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 5, Listen 5, Search 5, Spot 5, Sense Motive 5, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 4, Psicraft 4|-|-
3rd|Psychic Warrior 1|+2|+5|+3|+3|Autohypnosis 1, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 6, Listen 5, Search 6, Spot 5, Sense Motive 5, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 4, Psicraft 4|Zen Archery, Point Blank Shot|-
4th|Psychic Warrior 2|+3|+6|+3|+3|Autohypnosis 2, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 7, Listen 5, Search 7, Spot 5, Sense Motive 5, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 4, Psicraft 4|Practiced Manifester|-
5th|Psychic Warrior 3|+4|+6|+4|+4|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 8, Listen 5, Search 8, Spot 5, Sense Motive 5, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 4, Psicraft 4|-|-
6th|Slayer 1|+5|+6|+4|+6|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 9, Listen 6, Search 8, Spot 6, Sense Motive 6, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 5, Psicraft 4|Track|Favored Enemy +2, Enemy Sense
7th|Slayer 2|+6/+1|+6|+4|+7|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 10, Listen 7, Search 8, Spot 7, Sense Motive 7, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 6, Psicraft 4|-|Brain Nausea
8th|Consecrated Harrier 1|+7/+2|+6|+4|+9|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 10, Listen 8, Search 9, Spot 8, Sense Motive 7, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 6, Psicraft 4|-|Blessing of Scripture +2, detect chaos
9th|Binder 1|+7/+2|+8|+4|+11|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 6, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 11, Listen 8, Search 9, Spot 8, Sense Motive 8, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 6, Psicraft 4|Psionic Meditation|Soul Binding
10th|Slayer 3|+8/+3|+9|+5|+11|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 12, Listen 9, Search 9, Spot 9, Sense Motive 9, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 7, Psicraft 4|-|Lucid Buffer
11th|Consecrated Harrier 2|+9/+4|+9|+5|+12|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 12, Listen 10, Search 10, Spot 10, Sense Motive 9, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 7, Psicraft 4|-|Sanctified Sight
12th|Slayer 4|+10/+5|+9|+5|+13|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 11, Search 10, Spot 11, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|Rapid Shot|Favored Enemy +4
13th|Consecrated Harrier 3|+11/+6/+1|+10|+6|+13|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 6, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 12, Search 10, Spot 12, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|-|Dispel magic
14th|Consecrated Harrier 4|+12/+7/+2|+10|+6|+14|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 7, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 13, Search 10, Spot 13, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|-|Crushing despair
15th|Consecrated Harrier 5|+13/+8/+3|+10|+6|+14|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 8, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 14, Search 10, Spot 14, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|Woodland Archer|Blessing of Scripture +4
16th|Consecrated Harrier 6|+14/+9/+4|+11|+7|+15|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 9, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 15, Search 10, Spot 15, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|-|False Vision
17th|Consecrated Harrier 7|+15/+10/+5|+11|+7|+15|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 10, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 16, Search 10, Spot 16, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|-|-
18th|Consecrated Harrier 8|+16/+11/+6/+1|+11|+7|+16|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 11, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 17, Search 10, Spot 17, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|Improved Precise Shot|Implacable Hunt
19th|Consecrated Harrier 9|+17/+12/+7/+2|+12|+8|+16|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 12, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 18, Search 10, Spot 18, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|-|-
20th|Consecrated Harrier 10|+18/+13/+8/+3|+12|+8|+17|Autohypnosis 3, Disguise 5, Gather Information 13, Knowledge: Local 5, Concentration 13, Listen 19, Search 10, Spot 19, Sense Motive 10, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 8, Psicraft 4|-|Blessing of Scripture +6, faultless hunt[/table]
Spells per day
Spoiler{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
1st|-|-|-|-
2nd|-|-|-|-
3rd|-|-|-|-
4th|-|-|-|-
5th|-|-|-|-
6th|-|-|-|-
7th|-|-|-|-
8th|0|-|-|-
9th|0|-|-|-
10th|0|-|-|-
11th|1|-|-|-
12th|1|-|-|-
13th|1|0|-|-
14th|1|1|-|-
15th|1|1|0|-
16th|1|1|1|-
17th|2|1|1|0
18th|2|1|1|1
19th|2|2|1|1
20th|2|2|2|1[/table]
Psionics
Spoiler{table=head]Level|Power Points|Bonus Power Points|Powers Known
1st|-|-|-
2nd|-|-|-
3rd|0|9|Expansion
4th|1|12|Vigor
5th|3|15|Defensive Precognition
6th|5|18|Perfect Archery
7th|7|21|Hustle
8th|7|28|-
9th|7|31|-
10th|11|35|Dissolving Weapon
11th|11|38|-
12th|15|38|Dimension Slide
13th|15|38|-
14th|15|38|-
15th|15|38|-
16th|15|44|-
17th|15|44|-
18th|15|44|-
19th|15|44|-
20th|15|44|-[/table]
Note: The table assumes ability scores unmodified by equipment. If gear is included, adjust the table accordingly.
Level-by-level Breakdown
SpoilerNote: This build assumes LA buyoff is allowed. If not, you lose your last two levels of Consecrated Harrier, which is a bit of a drag, but you still end up with 16 BAB.
Level 1-5: You've got 2 levels of Lumi HD, and honestly, you could do worse for a non-class HD. 8+int mod skills, d8 HD, all good saves, and good BAB, and a laundry list of SLA's and immunities, not to mention Outsider traits? I'm sold. Tack on 3 levels of Psychic Warrior, and you're solid. Your hit points won't be spectacular, apart from your good Constitution score, but with access to Vigor, who cares?
Level 6-10: Here's where we start getting meaty. 3 levels of Slayer, plus 1 level of Binder (for Leraje) and your first Consecrated Harrier level. We grab Psionic Meditation so we can manifest Hustle for free when we like, and binding Leraje gives us a neat ability that's still not too irrelevant to not use occasionally. After 9th level, we never lose a point of BAB again.
Level 11-15: This is where the sweet spot is. I place it at level 13, because that's the earliest level that we have access to +11 BAB and rapid shot, leading to some real pain being laid down in the form of arrows. Also, we've just barely finished our psionic progression, so our powers are all still relevant. We've got access to a limited Dispel ability, which, at this point, will still get a little bit of use.
Level 15-20: At level 20, this build counts among its major tools the following: Limited Binding, 3rd-level Psionic Powers, 4th-level spells from the Ranger list, +18 BAB, and Outsider traits. I place the final result somewhere in the Tier 3 neighborhood, depending on what splatbooks you've got available to you. The more Ranger spells you have access to, the better off you are.
Use of the Secret Ingredient
SpoilerAs Secret Ingredients go, this one isn't as terrible as some. It's a little unfocused and it certainly has some glaring errors in design, but it's a full-BAB, good Will save class with 4+int mod skills, d10 HD, and Ranger spells.
The Ranger spell list is a very solid list. With everything from Arrow Storm to Guided Shot, and if you're playing an archer, you NEED some of these spells. Playing a Divine/Psionic archer gish means you get access to the best spells and powers for archery that the game has to offer. Being as Wis-SAD (go Zen Archery!) as you can means your dispel magic ability will see maximum use, not to mention the other SLAs offered. The Lumi race meshes nicely with the Sanctified Sight ability, given that illusion magic is punishable by death in Lumi society. Consecrated Harrier and Slayer mix nicely, with Favored Enemy further boosting your perception skills against those you choose to hunt.
Gear
SpoilerProbably one of the most gear-dependant concepts in the game, archery lives or dies by its gear. There are numerous guides out there in the wild interwebs detailing what kind of stuff you need just to stay relevant, let alone be good at your job. Luckily, this build circumvents a good deal of that with an expanded Ranger spell list and 3rd level Psionic powers (one of which is Dissolving Weapon: cast it on your arrows, go to sleep, and it sticks around til you use it).
Still, a Splitting bow is damn near indispensable. Explosive, Knockback, Phasing, Force, Holy, Unholy, Exit Wounds, Dispelling, Magebane, Bane, Corrosive, Seeking, Precise, or Distance would also serve you well.
-
2012-02-04, 07:28 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
He hunts the deep places of the world.
Originally Posted by Thorik Stonetooth
-
2012-02-04, 07:33 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
He's a big name in Jermlaines
Originally Posted by Griblax Tookersnout
General Info
SpoilerName: Griblax Tookersnout
Race: Jermlaine
Type: Fey
God: Nerull
Align: LE
Size: Tiny
Age: 23
Eyes: Beady, Little.
Hair: Bald
Statistics and Racial Errata
Spoiler
Final Stats
Str 12 +1
Dex 20 +5
Con 18 +4
Int 18 +4
Wis 38 +14
Cha 12 +1
Breakdown
SpoilerPoint buy
Str 14
Dex 8
Con 14
Int 14
Wis 16
Racial
Str 6
Dex 14
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 22
Cha 6
Level Bumps
Str 6
Dex 14
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 27
Cha 6
Magical Enhancement
Str 12
Dex 20
Con 18
Int 18
Wis 33
Cha 12
Inherent Bonus
Str 12
Dex 20
Con 18
Int 18
Wis 38
Cha 12
Jermlaine 3.5 Errata
Jermlaine: Fey; 2-1/2 ft./0 ft.; Craft (trapmaking) +2, Hide +14, Listen +8,
Move Silently +6, Spot +8; LA +0; Wild Empathy (Ex)
GRIBLAX TOOKERSNOUT
Spoiler{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Cleric of Nerull|+0|+2|+0|+2|Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 1, Gather information 2, Hide 4, Survival 1|Track|Rebuke Undead, Wild Empathy (Same as Druid but based off of HD instead of class lvl, Speak with Rats (SLA at will, Rats and Dire Rats only)
2nd|Cleric of Nerull|+1|+3|+0|+3| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 2, Gather information 2.5, Hide 4, Survival 1, Spell Craft 1|-|-
3rd|Cleric of Nerull|+2|+3|+1|+3| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 3, Gather information 3, Hide 4, Survival 1, Spell Craft 2|Mother Cyst|-
4th|Cleric of Nerull|+3|+4|+1|+4| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 4, Gather information 3.5, Hide 4, Survival 1, Spell Craft 3|-|-
5th|Cleric of Nerull|+3|+4|+1|+4| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 4, Hide 4, Survival 1, Spell Craft 4|-|-
6th|Cleric of Nerull|+4|+5|+2|+5| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 4.5, Hide 5, Move Silently .5 Survival 1, Spell Craft 4|Silent Spell|-
7th|Cleric of Nerull|+5|+5|+2|+5| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 6, Move Silently 1 Survival 1, Spell Craft 4|-|-
8th|Consecrated Harrier|+6|+5|+2|+7| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 7, Move Silently 2 Survival 1.5, Spell Craft 4|-|Blessings of Scripture +2, Detect Chaos
9th| Consecrated Harrier |+7|+5|+2|+8| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 7, Move Silently 4 Survival 2, Spell Craft 4|Practised Spell Caster (Cleric)|Sanctified Sight
10th| Consecrated Harrier |+8|+6|+3|+8| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 8, Move Silently 5 Survival 2.5, Spellcraft 4|-|Dispel Magic
11th| Consecrated Harrier |+9|+6|+3|+9| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 8, Move Silently 7 Survival 3, Spellcraft 4 |-|Crushing Despair
12th| Consecrated Harrier |+10|+6|+3|+9| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 9, Move Silently 8 Survival 3.5, Spellcraft 4 |Practised Spell Caster (Consecrated Harrier)|Blessings of Scripture +4
13th| Consecrated Harrier |+11|+7|+4|+10| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 10, Move Silently 9 Survival 4, Spellcraft 4 |-|False Vision
14th| Consecrated Harrier |+12|+7|+4|+10| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 11, Move Silently 10 Survival 4.5, Spellcraft 4 |- |-
15th| Consecrated Harrier |+13|+7|+4|+11| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 12, Move Silently 11 Survival 5, Spellcraft 4|Spell Focus (Necromancy)|Implacable Hunt
16th|Cleric of Nerull|+14|+8|+4|+12| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 12, Move Silently 11 Survival 5, Spellcraft 7|-|-
17th|Cleric of Nerull|+14|+8|+5|+12| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 12, Move Silently 11 Survival 5, Spellcraft 10|-|-
18th|Cleric of Nerull|+15|+9|+5|+13| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 15, Move Silently 11 Survival 5, Spellcraft 10|Greater Spell Focus (Necromancy)|-
19th|Conserated Harrier|+16|+10|+6|+13| Knowledge (Religion) 2, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 15, Move Silently 13.5 Survival 5, Spellcraft 10|-|-
20th|Consecrated Harrier|+17|+10|+6|+14| Knowledge (Religion) 3, Disguise 5, Gather information 5, Hide 15, Move Silently 15 Survival 5, Spellcraft 10|-|Blessings of Scripture +6, Faultless Hunt[/table]
Spells
SpoilerCleric Spellcasting
SpoilerSpells per day/Spells KnownSpoiler
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th
1st|3|1+1|-|-|-|-
2nd|4|2+1|-|-|-|-
3rd|4|2+1|1+1|-|-|-
4th|5|3+1|2+1|-|-|-
5th|5|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-
6th|5|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-
7th|6|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-
16th|6|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-
17th|6|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1
18th|6|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1[/table]
Cleric Bonus spells
SpoilerBonus spells
{table=head]Wisdom|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th
22|2|2|1|1|1
24|2|2|2|1|1
26|2|2|2|2|1
28|3|2|2|2|2
30|3|3|2|2|2
32|3|3|3|2|2
34|3|3|3|3|2
36|4|3|3|3|3
38|4|4|3|3|3[/table]
Domains
SpoilerEvil Domain
Granted Power
You cast evil spells at +1 caster level.
Evil Domain Spells
1. Protection from Good: +2 to AC and saves, counter mind control, hedge out elementals and outsiders.
2. Desecrate M: Fills area with negative energy, making undead stronger.
3. Magic Circle against Good: As protection spells, but 10-ft. radius and 10 min./level.
4. Unholy Blight: Damages and sickens good creatures.
5. Dispel Good: +4 bonus against attacks by good creatures.
Trickery Domain
Granted Power
Add Bluff, Disguise, and Hide to your list of cleric class skills.
Trickery Domain Spells
1. Disguise Self: Disguise own appearance.
2. Invisibility: Subject invisible 1 min./level or until it attacks.
3. Nondetection M: Hides subject from divination, scrying.
4. Confusion: Subjects behave oddly for 1 round/level.
5. False Vision M: Fools scrying with an illusion.
Consecrated Harrier Spellcasting
SpoilerSpells per day/Spells KnownSpoiler
{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
8th|0|-|-|-
9th|1|-|-|-
10th|1|0|-|-
11th|1|1|-|-
12th|1|1|0|-
13th|1|1|1|-
14th|2|1|1|0
15th|2|1|1|1
19th|2|2|1|1
20th|2|2|2|1[/table]
Consecrated Harrier Bonus spells
SpoilerBonus spells
{table=head]Wisdom|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
22|2|2|1|1
24|2|2|2|1
26|2|2|2|2
28|3|2|2|2
30|3|3|2|2
32|3|3|3|2
34|3|3|3|3
36|4|3|3|3
38|4|4|3|3[/table]
Pertinent Spells
StorySpoiler
Cyst Magic
SpoilerCyst Magic comes from the feat Mother Cyst. Once a character takes Mother Cyst, they add the Necrotic Cyst spells to all of their spells known lists. Here is a breakdown of the Necrotic Spells in Griblax’s arsenal.
Necrotic Awareness- 1st lvl
This is basically a DETECT spell. It detects the presence of necrotic cysts. Griblax uses it to confirm implantation.
Necrotic Scrying- 2nd lvl
This is an extremely low lvl scry, with no save and no sr and unlimited range. It only works on subjects who have a necrotic cyst implanted in them. It is blocked by lead and normal anti-scry spells.
Necrotic Cyst- 2nd lvl
This is the implantation spell. All the other cyst spells key in off of this spell. It is a touch spell, only works on living creatures, has SR, fortitude negates, and is blocked by Protection from Evil. Because Griblax stalks his prey looking for an easy opportunity to skulk in and deliver this touch spell, the touch is not a problem. He is more than capable of slipping in, delivering the touch to a flatfooted opponent, and slipping out. Only working on living creatures is also not a problem for Griblax, Nerull hates the living and only the living. Assay spell resistance helps to overcome any troublesome SR Griblax runs into. Because of his high wisdom, the fort save is stout. In the beginning, DC 19 fort, by the end, DC 28 fort, not bad for a 2nd lvl spell. His high number of castings and his stealthy nature combine to further enhance his chance of a failed save. Because he is able to remain undetected he can recast and try again. Protection from Evil is only a deterrent if it is from a permanent source. Griblax stalks his prey, he chooses vulnerable moments to attempt his implantation. You might be having a great night at the bar, you might be sound asleep, you might be in the throes of passion, or you might be lazily enjoying a spring walk through the countryside. When you feel the most secure, that is when Griblax is touching your boot.
The Cyst can show up on the surface of the skin or it can be buried inside the body, Griblax chooses to implant his cysts deep within to keep from spoiling his trap.
Once a cyst is implanted the target takes a -2 penalty to saves against all spells and effects from the school of necromancy (including other cyst spells) and the target takes an extra 1d6 damage from the natural attacks of undead.
Necrotic Bloat- 3rd lvl
Medium range, 1d6/CL (max 10d6) no save, no attack roll, no sr. Half the damage is vile damage and can only be healed in a holy place with holy magic the other half is untyped damage.
Necrotic Domination- 4th lvl
This spell has the same effect as Dominate person, EXCEPT it works on any humanoid with a cyst. It is necromancy(evil) so it is not blocked by immunity to mind affecting. It is not blocked by prot evil/good/law/chaos. And because of Necrotic Cyst, the target takes a -2 penalty on the save.
Necrotic Burst- 5th lvl
This spell is amazing. Single target medium range. No SR, no attack roll. Fort save partial. Fail the save, you die and on the following round, your innards bust out of you and squiggle around attacking people and putting more cysts in them. If you pass the save, you take 1d6/ CL (max 15d6), half of this damage is vile damage and can only be healed in a holy place by holy magic the other half is untyped damage. And because of Necrotic Cyst, the target takes a -2 penalty on the save.
All of the cyst spells except for Necrotic Awareness are (Evil) spells. Because of Griblax’s Evil Domain, he casts these spells at +1 caster lvl.
As you can see, once a target has a cyst implanted in them, the cyst spells become an extremely powerful arsenal. Because Griblax knows these spells as Cleric and Consecrated Harrier spells, he has a higher than normal castings per day available. The Cyst spells work with his Consecrated Harrier to create a more effective and dangerous prestige class.
Spells for finding target
SpoilerCleric provides a fair amount of divinations along the way for finding targets. Ranger has many track boosting spells and information gathering spells.
SLA Speak with Rats
Ranger
Scent
Speak with plants
Commune with Nature
Implacable Pursuer
One with the land
Marked Object
Mark of the Hunter
Stalking Brand
Traveler’s Mount
Tree Stride
Swamp Stride
Surefooted Stride
Omen of Peril
Living Prints
Lay of the Land
Embrace the Wild
Bloodhound
Easy Trail
Detect Thoughts
Charm Person
Clairaudience/Clairvoyance
Likely more that I missed.
Cleric
Omen of Peril
Augury
Divine Insight
Chain of Eyes
Helping Hand
Divination
Scrying
Avoid planar effects
Plane Shift
Speak with Dead
Commune
Likely more that I missed
Spells for combat
SpoilerPast 13th lvl our Consecrated Harrier caster lvl is high enough that we can start preparing offensive Cyst spells in those slots. This opens up a lot of cleric slots for buffs. Because Griblax stalks his victims for some time before finally attacking them, and because Cleric is one of the biggest buff classes of all, Griblax can throw together some powerful and appropriate buff sets to take down his targets. The example in the story used Sanctuary to ensure combat would start on his terms. But there are countless more cleric buffs to consider.
If the final ambush is set up to draw the target to a specific place, like the story, cleric spells also offer many options for prepping the battle field.
Spells for stealth and implantation
SpoilerSpells like rangers Camoflauge and disguise self and remove scent and Trickery Domains invisibility, and clerics iron silence and many many others, all work together with Griblax’s natural sneaky heritage and size to create one incredibly hard creature to locate.
Assay spell resistance and spell vulnerability help against high SR implantation targets.
Both harrier and cleric spell lists offer useful information gathering spells for the stalking stage of Griblax’s missions.
Spells for escape
Spoiler
Meld into Stone
Plane Shift
Deeper Darkness
Tree Shape
Tree Stride
Planar Exchange, Lesser
Swamp Stride
Land Womb
Aspect of the Earth Hunter
Burrow
Easy Climb
And again more that I missed.
Griblax’s Spell List has 4 default foci.
Tracking-
Focused mainly on tracking spells and divination spells with a small bit of quick escape spells
Stalking- Focused heavily on stealth spells with a minor in info gathering spells and escape spells
Implantation- Focused on Stealth and Necrotic Cyst, Necrotic Awareness, small bit of escape spells
Confrontation- Focused heavily on Buff spells appropriately applied to match what he has learned about his prey and on offensive cyst spells with a small bit of escape spells.
If he plans on using Necrotic Dominate to enthrall the targets allies, he will use a modified stalking spell set for an extra round of stalking after implantation, dropping info gathering spells for Necrotic Dominates.
SpoilerGriblax Tookersnout has far exceeded the common expectations of his kin. Whether you know his kind as Jermlaine or Banemidge or Jinxkin, fear is the last emotion you would associate with his people. They are typically a nuisance at best. Cowards by nature, they hide in the shadows and prey on the sick and the weak. In this way, they are no more dangerous than a carrion crow or a buzzard. Griblax likely would have shared this petty fate if The Reaper had not seen his true potential and called him out. Huddled amongst a sleeping pile of his crusty, warty kin, The Hater of Life touched his dreams. Nerull’s vision infused in Griblax a direct understanding of the pettiness of his life. Nerull showed Griblax his true potential, a potential that must be earned.
Awakening abruptly, covered in sweat, Griblax understood what he must do. A powerful entity had shown him the way. He rolled and wriggled his way out of the sleeping pile of kin and scurried off deeper into the cave. His brethren barely stirred, they were used to nocturnal calls of nature, and did not give the behavior a second thought. After a few farts and scratches they were back soundly asleep. Griblax worked silently, ferrying armfuls of “fuel” from the mountainous piles of bat droppings deeper in the cave. Despite the copious amounts of bat guano he shellacked across the floor around the sleeping pile, the smell of the cave remained relatively constant. Banemidges are after all filthy creatures and the cave already reeked of waste before he had even started his process. Curious rats peeked at him with their glowing eyes, tracking his progress with amusement. He grinned at them and winked, and they felt included in his mischief.
Feeling flushed by the work he stopped to survey his doings. A good 6 inch tall ring of filth now encircled the sleeping mound, and beside him stood a large pile of extra crap. He thought back to Nerull’s vision and the final key to his plan flooded his mind. He spoke the words in his mind aloud. Fire began to lick from his finger tips and spread across his hand. He could feel the heat of the fire but it did not consume him. His heart pounded and his spirit was elated. The vision would come true! He must complete his task! The sudden light had begun to cause his family to stir. He had no time left to enjoy the moment. Griblax reached deep into the pile of refuse beside him and pulled away a handful of burning pungent waste. He flung the first fiery handful at the stirring pile of Jermlaines. It felt like a flood gate had opened. The feeling inspired him on and he now flung the inflamed feces as fast as he could. The pile beside him was now fully aflame, and the ring around his brethren had also caught fire and was spreading. His people were in disarray. Some of them scurried free and rolled around to put the flames out. Others could not escape the panicked tangle of bodies. Others could not get the sticky flaming guano of off their skin. Others still were gasping from the quickly spreading smoke in the poorly ventilated cave. Feeling pleased that enough of his people would die to fulfill Nerull’s test, Griblax slowly slinked into the shadows.
Once outside the cave, he began to pick his way through the forest. He did not know which way he was going, yet at the same time he felt guided. It was not long before Griblax stumbled out of the Grandwood Forest and into more open lands. He had never felt so vulnerable, and the lack of cover tested every bit of his newfound courage. He turned and looked covetously at the safety of the forest, longing for the sanctuary of a cave. *WHOOSH* Griblax jumped away from the noise so quickly that he lost control and tumbled into a stumble landing prone in a tangled anxious mess. His fearful eyes darted around frantically as his arms and legs warred over which was going to carry him away first. His eyes finally focused and before him stood a man in a rust red robe with black trim holding a skull in one hand and a sickle in the other. The symbols instantly calmed him. They were the holy objects of his newfound Master. He had seen them in his dream. They had been impressed on his mind. The man seemed agitated, “You have got to be kidding me,” he snorted derisively. He surveyed the tiny, ratty, scabby gremlin covered in dried **** before him, “You have to be the most pathetic and revolting creature I have ever seen and you are supremely lucky I do not question the will of my God, otherwise I would simply step on you now. Get in this satchel now so I do not have to touch you!” the man tossed down a burlap sack.
Griblax was taken away by magic to the nearby kingdom of Rel Astra to the temple of Nerull that is located there. The other priests seemed displeased by his presence but none of them could question the visions they too had received, visions of a tiny creature that radiated Nerull’s blessing and left death in his wake. There jealousy and superiority warred with there piety and It left them with a conflicted hate for Griblax. They seemed pleased to manifest this hate in creative ways. They made his initiation rituals especially painful and went out of their way to plague his daily life with extemporaneous rules and stringent standards. They silently justified there hazing, if he is truly blessed in the eyes of Nerull, surely he can withstand a little extra pain and suffering. And if he can’t it is apparent we were led to the wrong tiny creature. These justifications bordered on blasphemy and would have been cause for death if Nerull had not expected it. No in fact, Nerull was relying on the petty contempt of his clergy. Their contempt would be the smoldering flame he used to forge his new weapon.
Griblax endured this cursed life admirably, forever emboldened by the power his vision had promised. Truthfully, he struggled most to meet the new strange lifestyle demands. His fellow clergy did not sleep together comfortably in piles. They occasionally plunged themselves into tubs of water and intentionally scrubbed horrible tasting foam all over their bodies and expected that he do the same. They erected barriers of wood to block travel to and from their home-made caves for no apparent reason. When he would complain about these insufferable barriers they would laugh and say things like, “The little toot doesn’t like doors, how about that!” They forced him to learn about books and taught him to read. But they spent hours staring at these dusty cursed things and expected him to do the same.
In time, Griblax adjusted to most of these new behaviors. He realized that this new world was a world of rules, and if he was to gain his power, he must learn and obey these rules. And although he never quite got the hang of doors and books, he began to excel at his other responsibilities as an acolyte of Nerull, especially murder. Soon enough the others saw the blessing of Nerull upon him. They saw his kill count surpass their own. They witnessed the extra power of will infusing the spells he cast. And finally, the appearance of the bloated bulge on his belly silenced all mistreatment and ridicule. Nerull had blessed him with a Mother Cyst, a powerful cyst of undead flesh that infests only a few chosen Necromancers and imparts to them the power of a unique form of Necromancy, Cyst Magic.
The next few years went by quickly. Griblax had fully adjusted to this world. He was no longer a lesser being skittering across the floors of caves. If he were to come across his kind today they would think him a god. What spare time he found was spent practicing his unique form of necromancy. He had risen rather quickly to middling ranks in the church and it came as no surprise to his colleagues when word spread that he was to be tested for membership of the Red Sickles, an elite group of hunters consecrated by Nerull to hunt down and kill top priority enemies of the church. Griblax was given a target to murder; a paladin of Saint Cuthbert had been giving the Cult of the Shriven Sickle a disproportional amount of trouble, unbalancing the ongoing conflict between the two Greyhawk factions. If he succeeded in murdering this paladin, he would be accepted into the Red Sickles and be given special training befitting this new position. He was given only one rule. At the final confrontation, Griblax must make it known to the target who he is and why he is there. The fool must know it was Nerull’s will and Nerull’s servant that ended his life.
After a series of rituals and red tape, Griblax left Rel Astra for Greyhawk. The journey was mostly uneventful. His ancestry allowed him the luxury of avoiding unwanted attention. He spent his time burning the image of Garm Greenspear into his mind and memorizing the contents of his targets dossier. By the time he arrived in Greyhawk, he knew where enough to find the man quickly. Determined to succeed, Griblax spent the better part of a week confirming the information in the dossier with his own eyes. Calling upon Nerull for spells of stealth and mobility, he spied on Garm with vigilance. By the end of the week, Griblax knew where Garm slept, ate, trained, prayed, socialized and who he did those things with. Over the next few days, Griblax found opportune moments to stealthily implant Necrotic Cysts deep into the flesh of both Garm and a few of his close allies. He then proceeded to one by one use his Cyst magic to dominate the minds of Garm’s allies from a distance. Once he was sure that every thrall knew his plan and Garm was properly infected, Griblax sprung his trap. It was time to confront the one man standing in the way of him and his destiny.
Garm Greenspear awoke early this morning. A few of his close friends had agreed the night before to spend the day riding horses. He was actually excited about the idea. It had been a good long while since he had been able to relax. The life of a devout Cuthbertine was a disciplined life and hardly left any room for decadence. So a nice ride through the country side with friends was especially tempting. He dressed and packed for the day then bounded off for the stables to meet his allies. When he opened the door to the stables he unexpectedly saw his friends there waiting. He had expected to be the first one to arrive. But Cere, Jeryl, and Tryg were huddled near the back of the stables. He composed himself and walked over to them, bidding them good morn. Suddenly *SHINK* the sound of steel on sheathe rang in his ears. Cere, Jeryl, and Tryg all three had there long swords drawn. He instinctively pulled his own blade only moments later. For an eternity the four men stared each other down. None of it made sense to Garm, he had known these men for half a lifetime; something foul was at work here. He did not need to ponder the source long before a shrill voice piped up behind his friends. “GOM GREEMSPEEAAH! I GRIBLAX HAF COMB TO IND YOR LIFE! YOO WAR FOOWISH TO FINK YOO CUD OPOWSE DA WILL OF NEROOOOLLLL!” the shrill voice screamed. Out from the shadows behind Tryg a miniscule goblin like thing stepped into view. It couldn’t have been more than six inches tall, but it was robed in the vestments and colors of Nerull and an eerily confident resolve resonated from his gaze. Garm leaped into action and with a burst of speed and a quick tumble, he slipped Tryg’s guard and positioned himself to strike the tiny fiend, perhaps if he slayed the thing quickly the magic controlling his friends would end. Garm put both hands on the hilt of his long sword and tried to swing with all his might, but something stopped him. He could not go through with the attack. He searched his mind to make sense of this dangerous development. Suddenly it hit him! He had seen clerics of his order use a similar magic to ward themselves. He instantly was aware of the peril of his situation. He could not attack this tiny monster unless the villain first attacked him! And to make matters worse, his dear friends would soon try to sheathe their blades in his flesh. It was eminently clear, his only course of action was flight. He needed to get help. But his quick and bold actions had left him out of position. Tryg, Cere and Jeryl stood directly in the way of his path to the door. He did not think he could slip past all three of them. Pain seared his mind. His brain scrambled to pull focus back to the dire situation at hand. His entire midsection was on fire. It felt like something was inside him. Like some dark animal was in his bowels furiously clawing to get out. He had barely recovered from the pain when Cere and Jeryl grabbed him. Tyrg knocked the sword from his hand. He struggled to free himself, but he could not overpower the two men. Then the pain hit again. This time it was too much. He felt his body go slack and hang in the grip of his friends. He felt his soul slipping free of his body. Just before the world grew muddled he heard the tiny voice shriek again, “Now tee ress of yoo, stabby yoo own hart.”
Griblax returned to Rel Astra victorious. The story of his mission was glorified by the clergy. And he was promoted into the ranks of the Red Sickles. Since that day, he had been on countless missions of execution. The training he received further strengthened the strategy he had composed on that first fateful assassination. He soon found himself travelling often from churches to cults to enclaves and back to churches in order to fulfill his role as divine assassin.
At last Nerull’s plan had come to fruition. He had taken the trickery and stealth of a petty, humble Jermlaine, burned in him all the power of a civilized, disciplined mind and finally infused that being with his own power and blessings. These three things combined to forge the perfect weapon, a sickle which he would use to untimely snuff the lights of his most troublesome foes.
Why Consecrated Harrier?
SpoilerFirstly, no one refuses a great honor from the church. Entering the Red Sickles was after all the will of Nerull, who am I to question a God? But while I find it extremely important to pick prestige classes that fit your role play theme and story arc, this prestige class has quite a few hidden mechanical boons that make it a solid choice for the build. His chosen role, as a character, is a hunter assassin. Keep that in mind as we explore the depths of Consecrated Harrier.
The largest boon from this class comes from the new set of spellcasting. As I state in the “Cyst Magic” section, Cyst spells are largely more powerful than other spells of their lvl. This functionally gives Griblax the power of higher lvl spells without actually needing to get higher level spells. And since these are actually lower lvl spells they synergize very well with Griblax’s metamagic rods. Necrotic Bloat for instance, is a no attack roll, medium range, no save, no SR, 1d6/lvl (cap 10d6), and half the damage is vile damage, meaning it can only be healed in a sacred area, the other half is untyped, meaning it ignores ER and DR! This is a 3rd lvl spell, but it easily has the power of a 7th lvl spell. After we apply a simple low lvl lesser metamagic rod of quicken this third lvl spell has the power of an 11th lvl spell. This off balance power holds true for almost every Cyst spells. So why is a new set of spellcasting so important? Well, the higher lvl cyst spells are definitely powerful, but the lower level ones are already so powerful, that having twice as many low level spells comes out to be stronger than having a few more high lvl spells. This is usually not the case and theurge style builds suffer from the loss of powerful high tier spells. But again due to the extra power from cyst spells and the versatility from cleric and ranger spell list, Griblax becomes the exception to that rule. By adding the prestige class, we can tap our super high wisdom score to gain a completely new set of bonus spells from high wisdom. This effectively and rapidly doubles our first through fourth lvl spells during lvls 8-14.
Now, honestly any spellcasting class would give this boon since the Mother Cyst feat adds the cyst spells to your entire spell known lists from any and all spellcasting classes you take. But, arcane casting does not fit in with our story nor does it synergize with our race. Jermlaine have low int and cha so it is much better to pick a divine class and synergize with the Jermlaine’s high wisdom thus staying SAD, as far as casting is concerned. And out of all the divine classes and prestige classes that give spellcasting, Consecrated Harrier fit the role of a Unholy Assassin the absolute best. The prestige class lets him tap into the ranger spell list for very useful stealth and tracking spells, while his cleric side covered utility and divinations in the beginning of the missions to find his target. The cleric list and the ranger list work together very well for his spying, infiltration, and implantation stage of the assassination, each providing their own unique overlapping effects stacking together to make this stage much safer. During this stage, the doubled low lvl spells allow him plenty of Necrotic Cyst and Necrotic Awareness spells to ensure successful implantation. And finally, once his prey is implanted and all the groundwork is laid for the trap, he can rely on the majority of his consecrated harrier spell slots for Cyst damage spells, leaving more of his cleric spell slots open for problem solving spells and useful buff spells.
The next important boon from consecrated harrier would be the 8th lvl ability Implacable Hunt and by extension, the false vision spell like ability. At first glance, again, this ability also seems arbitrary. After all, his basic tracking skills combined with his divination and track boosting spells are already enough to eventually find any target. But, this ability deserves a second look. Because Grimlax’s main choice for damage delivers copious amounts of VILE damage, his volleys are incredibly difficult to recover from. In the right setting, this allows him to revert to hit and run tactics for particularly difficult targets. Over half of his victims are on the open road or traversing some wilderness when Griblax finally catches up to them. They are usually days to infinite away from the Holy place required to mend their wounds from the vile damage. If Griblax finds a particular target in this situation and perceives him to be a larger than normal threat, he can confront him with a quick volley then flee and recover. He is never at risk of losing track of the target, thanks to Implacable hunt, and most importantly, this tracking is super resource friendly meaning he can focus his spell slots for a different role since he does not need them to track the target anymore AND this tracking system is unstoppable by anti-tracking and anti-divining methods. This strategy is also largely helped by his SLA flase vision, if they try to scry him his false vision feeds them false information. He now does not need to prepare anti-scrying methods himself to avoid detection as he stalks.The next day he is fresh and his target is still heavily damaged. At this point it becomes a one sided war of attrition.
You might think, “Hey, wouldn’t the guy notice after the first attack that there is a cyst inside of him and try to remove it?” Well that is a good question! It is possible the prey might come to that conclusion. But it is also just as likely they might not know what the hell cyst magic is. So in short, no, finding the cyst is not automatic. But it is possible for them to figure it out. However, even if they locate and identify the cyst inside their bodies, there are still a few things working in Griblax’s favor here. Removing the cyst is kind of a big deal. It essentially requires that someone surgically remove the cyst with a special DC 20 heal check. The kicker; if the check succeeds the subject is knocked out cold for an hour. If the check fails… the subject DIES! If the target is alone, then he will be unable to remove his own cyst. And with Griblax keeping tabs on his victim, it is unlikely he will miss the operation. The screams from the excruciating procedure alone would likely alert him. Being in the middle of a dangerous operation is not a great time to roll for initiative.
Implacable Hunt also helps him deal with a highly mobile target. No matter where they teleport, as long as they end up anywhere on Oerth, Griblax will find them again. Later when he obtains faultless hunt, he will be able to track them anywhere.
The next best boon from Harrier is probably the spell like abilities. Some of them are not very useful at all like detect chaos. But False Vision as stated above helps him falsify scrying attempts from his prey or their allies. Crushing despair is nice in a pinch to tack on an extra 10% chance of failure versus one of his save or die spells. It will not get used often but the great thing about these SLA’s is they don’t take a slot and they are there when you DO need them. Dispel Magic is probably his most important SLA. It definitely helps level the playing field against an abnormally prepared prey. Due to the normal dispel magic cap, his normal cleric dispel magic can only ever gain a +10 on the dispel check. But thanks to Blessings of Scripture, his Dispel Magic SLA will eventually have a +16 dispel check against his prey. His high wisdom score gives him more uses per day of these spells than he could ever use. And this allows him to never have to worry about preparing these specific spells OR spells that solve the same problem as these SLA’s.
The next boon is Blessings of the Scripture. As stated above it allows his Dispel magic SLA to become more powerful than his normal cleric dispel magic. And it gives a useful skill modifier edge against his prey, making it easier to spot, track, read, hear, and trick.
The last important boon would be the full BAB this class offers. Griblax may have the occasional need to land a melee or ranged touch spell. Now thanks to his high overall BAB (+17), this task becomes much easier.
Sanctified Sight is not particularly useful but it doesn’t hurt to have it. And Flawless hunt is interlaced in the implacable hunt section since it is just an improvement of that ability.
As you can see, consecrated harrier provides both story and mechanical synergy and overall provides Griblax essential tools to fulfill his goals.
Level Breakdown
Spoiler5th
SpoilerGriblax is in training at the Temple of Nerull at this point in his career. He has access to the fundamental spells that he will later build upon. He is very stealthy for 5th lvl. And can still sneak to implant a cyst then use necrotic bloat to deal damage in combat. His bloat does 6d6 at this lvl due to the evil domain granted power. He can scry on cyst victims even this early via Necrotic Scrying. At this stage in the game, Griblax is just getting used to Nerull’s Cyst Magic blessing. He likely uses this strategy to assassinate low risk targets for practice. Most of his combat experience at this level will come from church sponsored death raids. During these raids he will likely rely more heavily on his natural class spells and work with the other clerics of Nerull to bring death to their unfortunate target.
10th
SpoilerGriblax at this point in his career has received 3 lvls of training from the Red Sickles. The transition has not quite settled itself. 10th lvl is a bit unwieldy, but not for long. This does not mean he is weak. He still has a large amount of stealth and tracking options and powerful cyst spells available. His overall strategy is still solid. His dispel magic SLA is at +12 versus his target. He has gained Necrotic Domination. And has the WBL to start working in some lesser metamagic rods for more potent onslaughts.
15th
SpoilerFrom this point on, Griblax is a highly trained member of the Red Sickles. His main strategy is fully reinforced now. He has 1st through 4th lvl Consecrated harrier spells and 0-4th lvl cleric spells with a caster lvl 14th for both (15 on evil spells). He can more easily ration his spells between cleric and CH for whatever stage of the hunt he is in. And during combat, the CH spells can now be turned into deadly cyst spells leaving his cleric spells open for useful buffs. His dispel magic SLA Is at +14 versus his target.
20th
SpoilerAt this point, Griblax’s status in the church of Nerull has become legendary. He has gained Implacable hunt and its improvement Faultless hunt. His Dispel magic is at +16. He has 1st-4th CH spells and 0-5th Cleric spells. He now has the very dangerous Necrotic Burst spell. His WBL has reached its peak which means his save DCs have reached their very high peak.
General strategy info
SpoilerGriblax is calculated and crafty. He works his assassinations in stages.
Stage 1- the hunt. Starting with the knowledge given to him by his church and relying on cleric divinations, Griblax hunts the target down. As he progresses he gets new tools for finding his target.
Stage 2- the stalk. The point of this stage is to garner personal information about the target and to help pinpoint routine moments where the target is vulnerable. It also helps to alleviate surprises and helps Griblax to have a more appropriate and therefore deadly buff set at the final confrontation. As he progresses in level he gains more and more competence in the areas of stealth and gathering information (not the skill per se, but the general idea of gathering information). The information can come from old fashioned spying, information gathering spells, combos like speak with rats/animal empathy + chain of eyes, and similar tricks.
Stage 3- the implantation. In this stage, he chooses a moment to stealthily implant the target and their allies. There is no time table for these kills, and no duration on the cysts. Griblax can take as much time as he wants ensuring success during these stages.
Stage 4- the prep. In this stage, Griblax takes the time to set up the ambush, doing whatever needs be done to culminate the trap. This could include, prepping the ambush site, dominating allies via necrotic dominate, fooling allies into being elsewhere, and many, many other possible preparatory actions.
Stage 5-The Final Countdown badda ba bum badda ba bumbumthe Final Confrontation. In this stage, Griblax springs his trap. Fully and specifically buffed, Griblax delivers his quick speech of DOOM and then brings the hammer down.
Troubleshooting
SpoilerRules questions
Spoiler
Does implanting a prey break Consecrated Harriers Code of Conduct?
SpoilerNo. The code explicitly states that it restricts the final confrontation, and therefore does not restrict any preparatory actions prior to the final confrontation. If you feel this is a loose interpretation please note that the code of conduct goes on to say that the wording of the code is kept lose on purpose for freedom of operation. In other words, the code is set up to allow loose interpretations.
Obstacles
Spoiler
Alarm
SpoilerIf a camp is guarded by alarm it stands to reason the difficulty of infiltration has risen. Fear not, this problem is easy for Griblax to solve. He can gather together friendly rats and send them into and out of the camp to give false signals. It is interesting to watch this prank keep a caster up all night. He can also sneak in with a wave of rats and hide. When the caster sees the rats he likely will assume a false reading and go back to bed. It is unlikely he will be able to spot Griblax. He can also dispel alarm and similar wards with his dispel magic SLA.
Globes of Invlunerability
SpoilerAh, the downside of relying on low level spells. One would think this would decimate Griblax’s options. Well in a world of metagaming, yes, yes it would. But surprisingly, in game, it isn’t that effective. The targets have no prior knowledge of Griblax’s tactics. Griblax has all the prior knowledge of the targets. He chooses to strike them at vulnerable points. It is unlikely that they will have a globe of invulnerability up at the time of confrontation, and it is even more unlikely that they will know how effective casting it would be. It is not a commonly used spell due to the fact that it undermines the casters own low lvl buff spells. And it has a very short duration. Basically, if this spell comes up ask out of game “Did you read my character sheet?” and then simply use one of Griblax’s escape methods to flee from combat. Come back a minute or so later when the metagamed buff wares off and continue the combat.
Magic Items
SpoilerIt is likely Griblax will start with a single wisdom enhancing item early on. As soon as money will comfortably allow, he will make the switch to the belt of magnificence.
Stealth enhancing items work really well for Griblax and a continuous collar of umbral metamorphosis should be considered.
Lesser metamagic rods are cheap and provide a direct and powerful boon by taking advantage of Griblax’s low spell lvl high power cyst spells.
+5 book of wisdom
Pearls of power 2nd lvl will give him more uses of trickery domains invisibility as will a wand of invisibility.
Other than that, typical good choices for magic items will also be good for Griblax.
Sources
SpoilerCore books
Libris Mortis
Monster Manual II w/ Errata
Complete Divine
Tome of Magic
Spell Compendium
My general knowledge of the Greyhawk campaign settingLast edited by Amphetryon; 2012-02-04 at 10:32 PM.
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2012-02-04, 07:35 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
IT'S A TRAP!
Originally Posted by Jan Kwan
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2012-02-04, 07:36 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Perhaps he has an Anthropomorphic Robin companion.
Originally Posted by Genji
Spoiler
GENJI, THE HUNTER SAVANT
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Factotum|+0|+0|+2|+0|Bluff 4, Disguise 4, Perform (Act) 4, Gather Information 4, Search 4, Survival 4, Sense Motive 4, Disable Device 4, Open Lock 4|Track|Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Trapfinding
2nd|Factotum|+1|+0|+3|+0|Bluff 5, Disguise 5, Perform (Act) 5, Gather Information 5, Search 5, Survival 5, Sense Motive 5, Disable Device 5, Open Lock 5||Arcane Dilletante (1)
3rd|Factotum|+2|+1|+3|+1|Bluff 6, Disguise 6, Perform (Act) 6, Gather Information 6, Search 6, Survival 6, Sense Motive 6, Disable Device 6, Open Lock 6|Bind Vestige|Brains over Brawn, Cunning Defense
4th|Factotum|+3|+1|+4|+1|Bluff 7, Disguise 7, Perform (Act) 7, Gather Information 7, Search 7, Survival 7, Sense Motive 7, Disable Device 7, Open Lock 7||Arcane Dilletante (2), Cunning Strike
5th|Factotum|+3|+1|+4|+1|Bluff 8, Disguise 8, Perform (Act) 8, Gather Information 8, Search 8, Survival 8, Sense Motive 8, Disable Device 8, Open Lock 8||Opportunistic Piety
6th|Factotum|+4|+2|+5|+2|Bluff 9, Disguise 9, Perform (Act) 9, Gather Information 9, Search 9, Survival 9, Sense Motive 9, Disable Device 9, Open Lock 9|Improved Bind Vestige|
7th|Factotum|+5|+2|+5|+2|Bluff 10, Disguise 10, Perform (Act) 10, Gather Information 10, Search 10, Survival 10, Sense Motive 10, Disable Device 10, Open Lock 10||Arcane Dilletante (3)
8th|Factotum|+6/+1|+2|+6|+2|Bluff 11, Disguise 11, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 11, Search 11, Survival 11, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 11, Open Lock 11||Cunning Surge
9th|Consecrated Harrier|+7/+2|+2|+6|+4|Bluff 12, Disguise 12, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 12, Search 12, Survival 11.5, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 11.5, Open Lock 11.5|Practiced Binder|Blessing of Scripture +2, Detect Chaos
10th|Consecrated Harrier|+8/+3|+2|+6|+5|Bluff 13, Disguise 13, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 13, Search 13, Survival 12, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 12, Open Lock 12||Sanctified Sight
11th|Consecrated Harrier|+9/+4|+3|+7|+5|Bluff 14, Disguise 14, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 14, Search 14, Survival 12.5, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 12.5, Open Lock 12.5||Dispel Magic
12th|Consecrated Harrier|+10/+5|+3|+7|+6|Bluff 15, Disguise 15, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 15, Search 15, Survival 13, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 13, Open Lock 13|Font of Inspiration|Crushing Despair
13th|Consecrated Harrier|+11/+6/+1|+3|+7|+6|Bluff 16, Disguise 16, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 16, Search 16, Survival 13.5, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 13.5, Open Lock 13.5||Blessing of Scripture +4
14th|Master of Masks|+11/+6/+1|+3|+9|+8|Bluff 17, Disguise 17, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 16.5, Search 16.5, Survival 14, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 14, Open Lock 14||Persona Masks
15th|Master of Masks|+12/+7/+2|+3|+10|+9|Bluff 18, Disguise 18, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 17, Search 17, Survival 14.5, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 14.5, Open Lock 14.5|Font of Inspiration|
16th|Consecrated Harrier|+13/+8/+3|+4|+11|+10|Bluff 19, Disguise 19, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 18, Search 18, Survival 15, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 15, Open Lock 15||False Vision
17th|Consecrated Harrier|+14/+9/+4|+4|+11|+10|Bluff 20, Disguise 20, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 19, Search 19, Survival 15.5, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 15.5, Open Lock 15.5||
18th|Consecrated Harrier|+15/+10/+5|+4|+11|+11|Bluff 21, Disguise 21, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 20, Search 20, Survival 16, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 16, Open Lock 16|Font of Inspiration|Implacable Hunt
19th|Consecrated Harrier|+16/+11/+6/+1|+5|+12|+11|Bluff 22, Disguise 22, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 21, Search 21, Survival 16.5, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 16.5, Open Lock 16.5||
20th|Consecrated Harrier|+17/+12/+7/+2|+5|+12|+12|Bluff 23, Disguise 23, Perform (Act) 11, Gather Information 22, Search 22, Survival 17, Sense Motive 11, Disable Device 17, Open Lock 17||Faultless Hunt, Blessing of Scripture +6[/table]
Spells per Day/Arcane Dilletante Level/Persona Masks Known/Inspiration Points
SpoilerSpells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|Arcane<br>Dilletante|Persona<br>Masks|Inspiration Points
1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|2
2nd|-|-|-|-|0|-|3
3rd|-|-|-|-|1|-|3
4th|-|-|-|-|1|-|3
5th|-|-|-|-|2|-|4
6th|-|-|-|-|2|-|4
7th|-|-|-|-|2|-|4
8th|-|-|-|-|3|-|5
9th|2|-|-|-|3|-|5
10th|3|-|-|-|3|-|5
11th|3|2|-|-|3|-|5
12th|3|3|-|-|3|-|6
13th|3|3|2|-|3|-|6
14th|3|3|2|-|3|Faceless, Gladiator|6
15th|3|3|3|-|3|High Priest|8
16th|4|3|3|2|3|-|8
17th|4|3|3|3|3|-|8
18th|4|4|3|3|3|-|11
19th|4|4|4|3|3|-|11
20th|4|4|4|3|3|-|11[/table]
LN Anthropomorphic Bat Factotum 8/Consecrated Harrier 5/Master of Masks 2/Consecrated Harrier +5
32 PB
Str: 4 (PB 8, -4 Racial)
Con: 14
Dex: 14
Wis: 27 (PB 16, +6 Racial, +5 Levels)
Int: 16
Cha: 6 (PB 8, -2 Racial)
--The Tale of Genji--
Cast aside when young,
he raised himself all alone
A bitter event.
Spoiler1st Level
Alright, everyone, meet Genji! He's a hideous little deformed bat child who can barely carry his own weight!
Ignoring that, Genji has a rather nice start to his life; as a Factotum, he can add his Intelligence to an attack roll, a damage roll, or a saving throw 2/encounter at this point, as a non-action. Combo'd with the fact that he can fly, thus putting him out of range of many monsters at this level, and he can plink away with a sling, thus making himself useful.
In terms of noncombat use, Genji has a nice Darkvision range, and Trapfinding+Track make him generally useful in the area of looking for people. He can, if push comes to shove, add his class level to a skill check, which at this point is only a +1, but that still is something.
All ways he learned;
Fharlagan then he worshiped,
The traveller-god
Spoiler5th Level
Genji now has 4 Inspiration points, which he could use for such sundry purposes as adding up to 4 dice of sneak attack damage when necessary, a +5 to a skill, healing his allies, turning undead, or even casting 2 2nd level SLAs from the Sorc/Wiz spell list. This nets him some nice in-combat versatility, as long as he picks wisely; casting Fox's Cunning followed by a Cunning Insight'd attack would deal an extra 5 damage, add a +5 to hit, or increase a save by 5 is a favorite, though other strategies do exist, depending on what he is planning to do that day. He even has the ability to toss up a miss chance for extra laughs, through the use of Cunning Defense.
Outside of battle, he now adds his Intelligence modifier to all Strength and Dexterity based checks; therefor he gets his Intelligence as a bonus to Initiative. He still has a massive bonus to Tracking, and Factotum is the BEST skillmonkey class there is, after all.
Of extra note is the awesome that is Bind Vestige; he picked it up from a hermit on the side of the road (hey, you try to include that information in a haiku; it's bloody hard!); he gets a handful of awesome options at the start of the day, like a little Fire Resistance, a bonus to Hide checks, or even proficiency in heavy armor. Seriously, this is nice.
His senses honed,
he took up the mantle then,
a holy hunter.
Spoiler10th Level
CUNNING SURGE! This makes everything better. The fact that he only has 5 Inspiration points now is kinda of a let down, because it prevents the spamming of Standard actions. However, given that he can now access 3 SLAs of up to 3rd level, he has a sexy amount of versatility. He now gets a +8 bonus to a skill when using Cunning Knowledge, which ain't chicken scratch.
He has also entered our secret ingredient, and it is treating him awfully well; his high Wisdom gives him nice DCs for stuff like Entangle or, if he trades out his good old sling for a bow, he can go ahead and use Hunter's Eye, for a single critical. After all, a nice insta-crit combo'd with a Cunning Insight/Fox's Cunning use would get him a nice +15 to damage, unless he's using a specialty arrow. And that's on top of the +6 damage from Blessings of Scripture being multiplied; enemies of the church of Fharlagan, beware! Detect Chaos at will is less useful in his case, but it still makes for a nice extra sense; after all, you never ignore any advantage when you are hunting an enemy!
Sanctified Sight really fits well with his owl-ly eyes; his will saves against Illusions are obscene, given the +4 from this ability, a +3 from Cunning Insight, and a +7 from his Wisdom just being that high. The save would have to have a DC of higher than 29 to have a higher than 50% chance to escape his keen senses!
Out of combat, he still gets major bonuses on skills, and has Blessing of Scripture helping him in his hunt for heretics; given that many Ranger spells add bonuses (such as, you know, Scent) to the equation, he can easily track down practically anyone. Through a rainstorm. On stone.
In other news, his Vestige feats have really supplied some awesome stuff, ranging from summoning scaled full-plate (sure, it's way behind the times, but when you need it, you need it.), to using Malfas' little bird friend to go out and scout. Really, this, along with his Arcane Dilletante ability and his spells, is what gives him his daily versatility; whether hunting for a group of heretics far underground or staging a raid on their fortress, he's sure to have a little something to use.
One nice strategy: bind Focalor; now fly above your enemies, keeping them within the aura. Now cast an Entangle or the like on them, and enjoy the boost to your save DCs.
Sadly, the secret ingredient prevents the use of Sneak Attacks; if he really wants to use it, though, he can prepare Hunter's Eye, and burn all of his Inspiration to deal 6d6 sneak attack damage; it might make a nice finishing move, but given that he would have to atone afterwards... apparently, he gave that up when he took on the mantle of a Consecrated Harrier.
He took up a mask,
and made of it his likeness;
This mark heralded him.
Spoiler15th Level
Wait, Master of Masks? Really?
Yes, really. Remember, our friend Genji is not exactly beatiful, and wearing a mask everywhere looks really cool. Never underestimate the coolness of having sexy masks that do stuff. The High Priest Mask is especially sexy, in this case; it gives a free +2 to your Divine CL, which means that all of his Consecrated Harrier spells are cast at CL 8; this is nice for all of the normal reasons. Plus, the Divine SLAs build on the ones you already have, considering that you can't cast many of them.
Of the other masks, Gladiator gives him access to awesome stuff; if he needs to use a Heavy Feycraft Gnomish Quickblade, he could, because he would be proficient in EVERY EXOTIC WEAPON. Say those glorious words with me, please. It also adds damage for the purpose of, well, the 3 attacks you make per round; building up the damage base is important, my friends.
The final mask is the good old Faceless mask, for a nice Nondetection effect. Not much to say here.
But what about our Consecrated Harrier levels, you ask? What can you say to using Dispel Magic and Crushing Despair 7 times per day each? Or the fact that your Blessing of Scripture is now +4, which gives even more of sexy boost in damage when combo'd with Hunter's Mercy? Or maybe even the classic Ranger spells of up to 3rd level, which can grant such awesomeness as Tremorsense, a burrow speed, throwing Bane onto a weapon, and a hundred other niche little spells; he really does have a spell for every little occasion, if he plans ahead well.
And on a side note, he now has 8 points of Inspiration, which could spell a nova of 2 extra Standard actions a round, or just use it to fuel one of the 10 daily uses of Opportunistic Piety that he happens to have.
And his ability to finish someone off, at the cost of needing an Atonement, rises to +10d6 Sneak Attack dice (+8d6 from Cunning Strike, and +2d6 from Hunter's Eye)
His name is legend;
His silent hunt is spoken
of in brief whispers.
Spoiler20th Level
Genji now has 11 inspiration points, a very nice addition to his arsenal. Other than that, he has 4th level Ranger spells now, which includes the Foebane spell, which is essentially Holy Sword for the non-Paladin. It really does give him a nice bonus vs. those fools that go against the Church of Fharlagan.
Other than that, there is the fact that he can use all of his Consecrated Harrier SLAs 8 times per day each, which is nearly at will, as far as your average adventuring day is concerned. And don't forget his Hunt class features, which just so happen to, you know, make it so once he has sniffed his foe's blood, he can follow them beyond the edge of the world with startling accuracy. Damn, but they make a wonderful capstone for this build.
A nice fact to note is the good old Blessing of Scripture has increased to +6; this gives a lovely damage boost, and I am personally glad for that.
Hunter's Mercy damage bonus
Spoiler{table=head]Level|{colsp=3}Damage Bonus (Cunning Insight/Blessing of Scripture/Both)
9-12|+9 (+15)|+6|+15 (+21)
13-19|+9 (+15)|+12|+21 (+27)
20|+9 (+15)|+18|+27 (+33)
Casting Foebane adds +15 if the enemy is of the right type.[/table]
Equipment
SpoilerIf he can get it, anything that adds to Wisdom or to Intelligence is a must; if he buys the right equipment, he could get his Intelligence modifier up to a +10 or more, which really would make fireworks fly using Cunning Insight. Wisdom, in the meantime, is your casting stat; no more discussion.
I would also suggest that he invest in a Force bow with a Demolition or Truedeath crystal, to deal with those pesky crit-immune enemies.Last edited by Amphetryon; 2012-02-04 at 07:37 PM.
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2012-02-04, 07:39 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
It's in his blood. hound.
Originally Posted by Lama de Maldini
-
2012-02-04, 07:41 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Some need killin'; some need Qilin.
Originally Posted by Qilin
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2012-02-04, 07:42 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Tailed by a Manx. There's irony there, somewhere.
Originally Posted by Manx Fireheart
Story
SpoilerManx doesn’t like to talk about his past. It has nothing to do with shame. It is just a life he left behind and that is all. For this reason, the details of his past are vague. I have known the man for many years, and after all that time, I have only been able to piece together this simple story.
Born into a noble house, Manx was schooled rigorously. He took naturally to the bow and the book. He rarely had anytime for childish things and for most of his young life he had a full itinerary. Life was simple and earnest.
As talented as he was in some areas, he lacked the natural affinity for the social arts. And for this reason, he was not the family’s first choice for heir. Truthfully, it wasn’t a lack of affinity, it was a general disdain for the art. Manx had no love for sweet words and white lies, compromises of morality, and cleverly designed strokes to the ego. He chose to ignore those lessons.
Manx was a full grown man when the political climate of his house shifted, suddenly. During an assassination attempt at a routine diplomatic meeting, his brother, the heir apparent, had recklessly tried to protect the intended target. His actions resulted in the loss of his life, the loss of the families chosen heir, and the loss of Manx’s simple life.
His ancient father, not long for this world, scrambled to force a lifetime of learning into Manx’s skull. All of Manx’s attempts to balk the newfound familial pressure failed. He had tutors following him into the pothouse. After a month, Manx could simply not take it anymore. He was who he was. He believed nobility came from character, not blood. His family could not and would not change who he was.
The next part of the story is a little fuzzy even to me. I know Manx made a stand of some sort. It didn’t go well. Either they banished him for it, or they tried to kill him and he escaped. I prefer the latter version myself. Either way he ended up free. In his youthful studies, he had learned of a God named Nobanion, or Aslan to some, a noble lion who upheld Manx’s same principles of nobility of character. Something about the deity spoke to Manx.
He spent the next few years wandering the woodlands, seeking a sign from Nobanion. He took on a noble quest of self improvement. He had been taught to survive the wilds as a child, but in a few years time he was a true woodsman.
It was shortly after this, that I first met Manx. Nobanion had sent me to find a cub, to give him the Test of the Consecrated Hunt. And I was privileged to have known the man. There has never been one more noble of heart, or one more suited to disposing of the cursed beasts of Malar.
-Tobias Longley, Consecrated Harrier of Nobanion-
General info
SpoilerAge: 28
Name: Richard Darcy Harrison the Third
Nickname: Manx (pronounced Manks) Fireheart
Sex: Male
God: Nobanion
Campaign: Forgotten Realms
Appearance: As Picture
Race: Human
Alignment: Lawful Good
Stats
SpoilerBase
Spoiler10 Str
16 Dex
12 Con
16 Int
12 Wis
10 Cha
Improvements
Spoiler+5 Int - level Bumps
+5 Int - Int Book
+4 Dex - Dex Book
+6 All - Belt of Magnificence
Final
Spoiler16 Str
26 Dex
18 Con
32 Int
18 Wis
16 Cha
Manx Fireheart (Richard Darcy Harrison III)
Spoiler{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Factotum 1|+0|+0|+2|+0|True Speak 4, Knowledge Dungeoneering 4, Knowledge Nature 4, Knowledge Arcana 4, Knowledge Religion 4, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 4, Disguise 4, Gather Information 4, Tumble 4, Sense Motive 2 |Able Learner*, Point Blank Shot|Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Trapfinding
2nd|Fighter 1|+1|+2|+2|+0|True Speak 5, Knowledge Dungeoneering 4, Knowledge Nature 5, Knowledge Arcana 4, Knowledge Religion 4, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 5, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 2|Precise Shot*|Bonus Feat
3rd|Ranger 1|+2|+4|+4|+0|True Speak 6, Knowledge Dungeoneering 4, Knowledge Nature 5, Knowledge Arcana 4, Knowledge Religion 4, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 6, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 4, Spot 2, Listen 2| Minor Utterance of the Evolving Mind (Inertia Surge), Track* |Rival Organization (Followers of Malar) +2, Track Bonus feat, Wild Empathy
4th|Ranger 2|+3|+5|+5|+0|True Speak 7, Knowledge Dungeoneering 4, Knowledge Nature 5, Knowledge Arcana 4, Knowledge Religion 4, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 7, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 6, Spot 4, Listen 4| Rapid shot*|Combat Style (Archery)
5th|Factotum 2|+4|+5|+6|+0|True Speak 8, Knowledge Dungeoneering 4, Knowledge Nature 5, Knowledge Arcana 4, Knowledge Religion 4, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 8, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 8, Spot 7, Listen 7|- |Arcane Dilettante (1 spell) (lvl 0)
6th|Factotum 3|+5|+6|+6|+1|True Speak 9, Knowledge Dungeoneering 5, Knowledge Nature 5, Knowledge Arcana 5, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 9, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 9, Spot 9, Listen 9| Extend Utterance |Brains over brawn, Cunning Defense, Arcane Dilettante (1 spell) (lvl 1)
7th|Consecrated Harrier 1|+6|+6|+6|+3|True Speak 10, Knowledge Dungeoneering 6, Knowledge Nature 6, Knowledge Arcana 6, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 10, Disguise 5, Gather Information 5, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 10, Spot 10, Listen 10|-|Blessings of Scripture +2, Detect Chaos SLA
8th| Consecrated Harrier 2|+7|+6|+6|+4|True Speak 11, Knowledge Dungeoneering 7, Knowledge Nature 7, Knowledge Arcana 7, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 11, Disguise 5, Gather Information 6, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 11, Spot 11, Listen 11|-|Sanctified Sight
9th| Consecrated Harrier 3|+8|+7|+7|+4|True Speak 12, Knowledge Dungeoneering 8, Knowledge Nature 8, Knowledge Arcana 8, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 12, Disguise 5, Gather Information 7, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 12, Spot 12, Listen 12| Knowledge Devotion |Dispel Magic SLA
10th| Consecrated Harrier 4|+9|+7|+7|+5|True Speak 13, Knowledge Dungeoneering 9, Knowledge Nature 9, Knowledge Arcana 9, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 13, Disguise 5, Gather Information 8, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 13, Spot 13, Listen 13|-|Crushing Despair SLA
11th| Consecrated Harrier 5|+10|+7|+7|+5|True Speak 14, Knowledge Dungeoneering 10, Knowledge Nature 10, Knowledge Arcana 10, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 14, Disguise 5, Gather Information 9, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 14, Spot 14, Listen 14|-|Blessings of Scripture +4
12th| Consecrated Harrier 6|+11|+8|+8|+6|True Speak 15, Knowledge Dungeoneering 11, Knowledge Nature 11, Knowledge Arcana 11, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 15, Disguise 5, Gather Information 10, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 15, Spot 15, Listen 15| Skill Focus (True Speak)|False Vision SLA
13th| Consecrated Harrier 7|+12|+8|+8|+6|True Speak 16, Knowledge Dungeoneering 12, Knowledge Nature 12, Knowledge Arcana 12, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 16, Disguise 5, Gather Information 11, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 16, Spot 16, Listen 16|-|-
14th| Consecrated Harrier 8|+13|+8|+8|+7|True Speak 17, Knowledge Dungeoneering 13, Knowledge Nature 13, Knowledge Arcana 13, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 17, Disguise 5, Gather Information 12, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 17, Spot 17, Listen 17|-|Implacable Hunt
15th|Exemplar 1|+13|+8|+8|+9|True Speak 18, Knowledge Dungeoneering 15, Knowledge Nature 15, Knowledge Arcana 15, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 18, Disguise 5, Gather Information 14, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 18, Spot 18, Listen 18| Font of Inspiration |Skill Artistry(Truespeak), Skill Mastery (1+ Int skills)
16th| Exemplar 2|+14|+8|+8|+10|True Speak 19, Knowledge Dungeoneering 17, Knowledge Nature 17, Knowledge Arcana 17, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 19, Disguise 5, Gather Information 17, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 19, Spot 19, Listen 19|-|Lend Talent (one half penalty), Skill Mastery (2+Int Skills)
17th| Exemplar 3|+15|+9|+9|+10|True Speak 20, Knowledge Dungeoneering 19, Knowledge Nature 19, Knowledge Arcana 19, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 20, Disguise 5, Gather Information 20, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 20, Spot 20, Listen 20| Improve Initiative*|Bonus Feat, Skill Mastery (3+Int Skills)
18th| Exemplar 4|+16|+9|+9|+11|True Speak 21, Knowledge Dungeoneering 20, Knowledge Nature 21, Knowledge Arcana 21, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 21, Disguise 5, Gather Information 21, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 21, Spot 21, Listen 21| Font of Inspiration |Skill Artistry (Sense Motive), Sustaining Prescence, Skill Mastery (4+Int Skills)
19th| Exemplar 5|+16|+9|+9|+11|True Speak 22, Knowledge Dungeoneering 22, Knowledge Nature 22, Knowledge Arcana 22, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 22, Disguise 5, Gather Information 22, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 22, Spot 22, Listen 22, Balance 4|-|Persuasive Perfomance, Skill Mastery (5+Int Skills)
20th|Fighter 2|+17|+10|+9|+11|True Speak 23, Knowledge Dungeoneering 22, Knowledge Nature 23, Knowledge Arcana 23, Knowledge Religion 5, Knowledge Nobility and Royalty 2, Survival 22, Disguise 5, Gather Information 22, Tumble 5, Sense Motive 23, Spot 23, Listen 23, Balance 4| Improved Precise Shot*|Bonus Feat[/table]
Consecrated Harrier Spellcasting
SpoilerSpells per day/Spells Known
Spoiler{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
7th|0|-|-|-
8th|1|-|-|-
9th|1|0|-|-
10th|1|1|-|-
11th|1|1|0|-
12th|1|1|1|-
13th|2|1|1|0
14th|2|1|1|1[/table]
Consecrated Harrier Bonus spells
SpoilerBonus spells
{table=head]Wisdom|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
12|1|-|-|-
14|1|1|-|-
16|1|1|1|-
18|1|1|1|1[/table]
Truespeak check breakdown
Spoiler+3-+11 Int
+4-+23 Ranks
+5 then +10 Amulet of the Silver Tongue
+2 masterwork tool (Truespeak Flash Cards)
+4 Skill Artistry
+3 Skill Focus
(+1-+3 Cunning Knowledge optional)
Total
1st - +7(+8)
20th - +53(+56) with the option of taking 10 for a total of 63(66)
The Gods Involved
Spoiler
Nobanion
SpoilerQuick Nobanion Source:http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Nobanion
Dogma
Spoiler"Hunt only when hungry and do not gorge without need. Waste nothing and all shall have plenty. The cycle of life links all living things into one being, and that being is life itself. The law of the jungle is that only the strong survive, but they survive best by being leaders, not tyrants, by protecting the weak, not bullying them. All creatures have their strengths in the assigned roles and should be encouraged to find their niche. From cooperation between beings of differing strengths comes the strength of teamwork and community, the strongest force of all. By demonstrating compassion and tolerance and living within the land, all living creatures may find harmony with nature and one another. By staying true to oneself and one's pride and conducting oneself with dignity and honor, the respect of one's peers may be earned."
Malar
SpoilerQuick Malar Source: http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Malar
Dogma
Spoiler"Survival of the fittest and the winnowing of the weak are Malar's legacy. A brutal, bloody death or kill has great meaning. The crux of life is the challenge between the hunter and the prey, the determination of who lives or dies. View every important task as a hunt. Remain ever alert and alive. Walk the wilderness without trepidation, and show no fear to the hunt. Savagery and strong emotions defeat reason and careful thought in all things. Taste the blood of those you slay, and never kill from a distance. Work against those who cut back the forest and who kill beasts solely because they are dangerous. Slay not the young, the pregnant, or deepspawn so that prey will remain plentiful."
Nobanion is in direct conflict with Malar because of his dogma. And the two are sworn enemies. All of Manx's Consecrated Harrier Targets, are likely to be followers of Malar and over his life he has honed his style to take advantage of the tactical weaknesses of these brutish foes.
Use of the Secret Ingredient
SpoilerSpells
Spoilergetting ranger spells at an advanced rate is very useful for Manx. Ranger spells synergize with his Archery very well. They also provide useful travel options. And enhance his already impressive tracking abilities.
Bab
Spoilerthe full bab aligns with his more combat oriented style of divine worship.
Blessings of Scripture
SpoilerVery useful. The Bonus to damage really adds up for archers.
SLA’s
SpoilerDispel Magic
Spoiler“The blessing of Malar melt away before the light of Nobanion’s mane.”
Occasionally followers of Malar are buffcentric. This SLA earns it keep in those scenarios.
Crushing Despair
Spoiler“I smell your fear, and will show you despair!”
From a mechanical standpoint, I can not think of a time when crushing despair will be used. But from a roleplay standpoint, I love having it.
False Vision
SpoilerWhen someone attempts to scry on Manx, they see only the image of a shining noble lion.
Detect Chaos
SpoilerMore for roleplay, it lets Manx know the true heart of those he meets.
Implacable Hunt
SpoilerThis ability rarely gets used as intended. Followers of Malar can not be cowards. They will almost always fight to the death. However, by taking a loose interpretation of the ability, we can gain a powerful use out of it.
If Manx hunts down a foe and shoots it. He has wounded it. Now, no matter what happens, if that foe ever escapes, Manx will know in which direction the target lies.
One could interpret, that dying and later being raised from the dead, is a form of escape. By this interpretation of the ability, Manx becomes the ultimate hunter. If Malar ever brings one of his targets back from the dead, Manx will instantly feel which direction they lie in and soon hunt them down.
This interpretation is by no means necessary to the build. But it is a reasonable interpretation and adds a large amount of flavor to the build.
Fluff
SpoilerThe prestige class just fits the character idea and story too well to pass up.
Why Did You Only Take 8 levels?
SpoilerBasically, I could of taken all 10 easily. But the last 2 lvls do not do anything for the build. Manx will never be interested in cross planar hunts. In other words, I had sucked the SI dry. I looked at the build with 10 CH and then with 8 CH. And I just couldn't justify taking the last 2 levels.
Some of these aspects I will not talk about in the level breakdown because I feel I have adequately explained them here. This does not mean they are more or less useful. It just means I didn’t want to explain them twice.
Level Breakdown
SpoilerLvl 6
SpoilerThis is the first level where Manx starts to be something more than a typical archer. It is also the level where he undergoes the Test of the Consecrated Hunt to qualify for the Secret Ingredient. So I chose to start here at 6 instead of 5.
At this lvl, we literally have the perfect set up for killing appropriate CR matched Followers of Malar for a solo adventurer.
Manx’s typical strategy is to use Malar’s own dogma against his worshipers. If they are alone he challenges them. If they outnumber him, he uses their pride to challenge them to one on one combat. If they refuse, he heckles them with comments like “You won’t be leader of this tribe much longer, if you are scared to face me one on one, but then again, you won’t be leader much longer if you do. *grin*” The double insult calls them cowardly while insinuating they would lose in a one on one match, and is typically very effective for convincing compliance.
Once combat has started, Manx uses his high initiative modifier (high dex+high int = high initiative thanks to brains over brawn) to get the jump on his opponent. “Zer’grax Ladnizam, in the name of Nobanion, I, Manx Fireheart, bind and slay you.” An extended reversed Inertia Surge binds the opponent in place for 2 rounds. This bind even stops teleportion magic. The subject can not move from the spot. For his move Manx draws his bow. Because Malar commands his followers to “never kill from a distance”, his opponent is left on his turn with a crisis of faith, and usually spends the round screaming bloody rage and profanities. On Manx’s next turn, he full attacks with his bow. He repeats these actions alternately. He uses his move action during intertial surge rounds to get distance. If he fails his inertial surge truespeak check, he will use his move to find cover to block the charge. On the following round he can tumble away and move to cover then attempt inertial surge again.
He can use inspiration points from his Factotum levels to augment his performance throughout combat as needed.
On the off chance, those things don’t go according to plan, Brains over Brawn helps to bring Manx’s athletic skill checks up to above average levels. This makes a speedy retreat more than possible. And it is likely Manx has an escape route planned before the challenge is even made.
It is also worth noting that Manx can prep one first lvl wizard/sorcerer spell with a caster lvl 3 from his factotum levels.
He also gains several skill buffs +2 and AC+2 versus followers of malar via his Rival Organization +2 class feature from ranger.
10th
SpoilerAt this lvl, Manx’s original strategy gets quite a few boons.
Blessings of scripture has come online to give his arrows +2 to damage.
Knowledge Devotion combined with his study of Malars beastly followers net him a +1 -+4 insight bonus to hit and to damage.
1st, and 2nd level Ranger spells from Consecrated Harrier offer him more ranged options, better tracking abilities, and easier escape methods.
15th lvl
SpoilerAt this lvl
Blessings of scripture now gives us +4 to arrow damage
Knowledge Devotion now gives an automatic +4 insight bonus to hit and damage thanks to our high knowledge of Malar’s followers, and our newfound ability to take 10 on knowledge nature, arcana, and dungeoneering via Skill mastery.
Skill mastery gives us the ability to take 10 on 1+int number of skills. With a modest +7 int bonus that is 8 skills. Knowledge dungeonering, arcana, and nature, Spot, Truespeak, Survival, Sense Motive, and Tumble.
Font of Inspiration brings us to 4 inspiration points.
Skill Artistry and Skill Focus True speak boost our Truespeak checks
1st – 4th lvl ranger spells from Consecrated Harrier add even more ranged options, tracking abilities, and escape methods.
New sample round.
Using +1 splitting Longbow
Round 1 Extended Reversed Inertia Surge standard, draw bow, move
Round 2 Swift haste +23/+23/+23/+23/+23/+23/+18/+18/+13/+13 full round ranged attack. Damage 1d8+11
20th lvl
Spoiler
Manx’s Skill Mastery is now strong enough to cover 16 skills. He can take 10 on 16 skills.
His knowledge devotion check now auto hits +5
He has 6 inspiration points
He is at a +23 initiative modifier
He can take 10 on truespeak checks resulting in a 63 check (66 if cunning knowledge is used)
This effectively gives him a 63 diplomacy check if he wants via Persuasive Perfomance. Yes that is right, he can diplomancer with truenaming or sense motive checks.
Sustaining presence gives him a bump to his Fort Saves
His Consecrated Harrier spells continue to be useful.
New Sample round using WBL
Round 1 swift action use metamagic quickened rod to cast Hunter’s Mercy
Standard Extended Reverse Inertia surge + Cunning Knowledge for a 66 truespeak check
Move Draw Bow
Round 2 swift action haste, swift
Full round attack +35/+35/+35/+35/+35/+35/+30/+30/+25/+25/+20/+20
Damage 1d8+15 damage
Because of Hunter’s mercy the first attack to hit is automatically a crit
Activate Cunning Insight before rolling crit damage to add +11 to base damage.
Crit damage 3d8+78 damage
Magic Items
SpoilerAmulet of the Silver Tongue, Lesser (ASAP) Improve to Greater (ASAP)
Belt of Magnificence
Truespeak Flash Cards(Mundane Masterwork (Truespeak) tool)
Vest of Resistance +5
Crystal Mask of Mind Armor
+5 Splitting Bow
High max dex armor with enhancements
Tome of Dex +4
Tome of Int +5
Mundane Silver arrows
Mundane Cold Iron Arrows
Lesser Metamagic Rod of Quicken
Cure wands
Sources
SpoilerCore books
"Font of Inspiration" Web Article http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070
"Rival Organization" Alternate Class Feature http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070228a
Complete Divine
Dungeonscape
Complete Adventurer
Complete Champion
Races of Destiny
Tome of Magic
Forgotten Realms Champion of Ruin
Forgotten Realms Setting
Forgotten Realms Wiki for fluff research
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2012-02-04, 07:46 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
A story of Khan and Tiberius, huh?
Originally Posted by Shere Khan Sing
Last edited by Amphetryon; 2012-02-04 at 10:33 PM.
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2012-02-04, 07:50 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Use whatever grabs you, before it does the same.
Originally Posted by Ebrahim Bahadir'Aziz
"...Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers.
It may not be difficult to store up in the mind a vast quantity of facts within a short time, but the ability to form judgments requires the severe discipline of hard work and the tempering heat of experience and maturity..."
Ebrahim Bahadir'Aziz, the Knight in Shadows
The Build...
SpoilerLawful Neutral Silverbrow Human Male Unseelie Fey
Silverbrow Human, Dragon Magic -- Page 6; Unseelie Fey, Dragon Compendium -- Page 222
Base Scores on 32 Point Buy -- 14, 8, 12, 12, 17, 13
After Template -- 13, 10, 10, 12, 17, 13
(4th Level Stat to Int [13], 8th to Str [14], 12th to Cha [14], 16th to Wis [18], 20th to Wis [19])
Racial Features:
Silverbrow Human - Bonus Feat, Feather Fall 1/Day per 5 HD
Disguise Class Skill, +2 Racial Bonus to Disguise
Unseelie Fey - No Wings, Season's Power: Winter Chill, Iron Vulnerability
Scaling Damage Reduction, Low-Light Vision
Alternate Class Features:
Invisible Fist, Exemplars of Evil -- Page 21; Arcane Hunter, Complete Mage -- Page 32
Distracting Attack, Player's Handbook II -- Page 55; Champion of the Wild, Complete Champion -- Page 50
Wildshape Ranger, Unearthed Arcana -- Page 58; Voice of the City - Wizards Website
Gather Information and/or Tumble as Ranger and Consecrated Harrier Class Skills -- Wizards Website
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Monk|+0|+2|+2|+2|Disguise 4, Gather Information 1, Hide 4, Knowledge (Arcana) 2, Search 2, Survival 2|Jotunbrud, Knifefighter (Human Bonus Feat), Stunning Fist (Monk Bonus Feat), Improved Unarmed Strike (Monk Bonus Feat)|Bonus Feats, Flurry of Blows, Wisdom to Armor Class, Unarmed Damage (1d6)
2nd|Monk|+1|+3|+3|+3|Disguise +1 (5), Hide +1 (5), Spot 3|Combat Reflexes (Monk Bonus Feat)|Bonus Feat, Invisible Fist
3rd|Wildshape Ranger|+2|+5|+5|+3|Hide +1 (6), Gather Information +3 (4), Surivival +3 (5)|Darkstalker, Track (Ranger Bonus Feat)|Bonus Feat, Arcane Hunter, Fast Movement, Voice of the City
4th|Wildshape Ranger|+3|+6|+6|+3|Hide +1 (7), Gather Information +2 (6), Survival +2 (7), Tumble 2||
5th|Wildshape Ranger|+4|+6|+6|+4|Hide +1 (8), Gather Information +1 (7), Survival +1 (8), Spot +4 (7)|Endurance (Ranger Bonus Feat)|Bonus Feat
6th|Wildshape Ranger|+5|+7|+7|+4|Hide +1 (9), Gather Information +1 (8), Survival +1 (9), Spot +2 (9), Tumble +2 (4)|Combat Expertise (Ranger Bonus Feat), Skill Focus: Gather Information|Bonus Feat, Distracting Attack
7th|Consecrated Harrier|+6/+1|+7|+7|+6|Hide +1 (10), Search +3 (5)||Blessing of Scripture +2, Detect Chaos, Spellcasting
8th|Justicar|+7/+2|+7|+7|+8|Hide +1 (11), Spot +2 (11), Survival +2 (11)||Bring 'Em Back Alive, Nonlethal Strike +1d6
9th|Justicar|+8/+3|+7|+7|+9|Hide +1 (12), Spot +1 (12), Survival +1 (12), Skill Trick--Assume Quirk|Improved Grapple (Justicar Bonus Feat), Scorpion Strike|Bonus Feat; Crippling Strike
10th|Consecrated Harrier|+9/+4|+7|+7|+10|Hide +1 (13), Survival +1 (13), Tumble +1 (5)||Sanctified Sight
11th|Justicar|+10/+5|+8|+8|+10|Hide +1 (14), Survival +1 (14), Spot +1 (13), Skill Trick--Spot the Weak Point|Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Manacles)(Justicar Bonus Feat)|Bonus Feat, Street Savvy +2
12th|Wildshape Ranger|+11/+6/+1|+8|+8|+10|Gather Information +3 (11), Hide +1 (15), Survival +1 (15), Spellcraft 1|Extra Wildshape|Favored Enemy (Humans), Wildshape
13th|Consecrated Harrier|+12/+7/+2|+9|+9|+10|Hide +1 (16), Survival +1 (16), Spellcraft +.5 (2)||Dispel Magic
14th|Justicar|+13/+8/+3|+9|+9|+11|Hide +1 (17), Survival +1 (17), Spellcraft +1.5 (3.5)||Nonlethal Strike +2d6
15th|Consecrated Harrier|+14/+9/+4|+9|+9|+12|Hide +1 (18), Survival +1 (18), Spellcraft +.5 (4)|Weakening Touch|Crushing Despair
16th|Consecrated Harrier|+15/+10/+5|+9|+9|+12|Gather Information +1 (12), Hide +1 (19), Survival +1 (19)||Blessing of Scripture +4
17th|Consecrated Harrier|+16/+11/+6/+1|+10|+10|+13|Gather Information +1 (13), Hide +1 (20), Survival +1 (20)||False Vision
18th|Consecrated Harrier|+17/+12/+7/+2|+10|+10|+13|Gather Information +1 (14), Hide +1 (21), Survival +1 (21)|Practiced Spellcaster (Consecrated Harrier)|
19th|Consecrated Harrier|+18/+13/+8/+3|+10|+10|+14|Gather Information +1 (15), Hide +1 (22), Survival +1 (22)||Impeccable Hunt
20th|Consecrated Harrier|+19/+14/+9/+4|+11|+11|+14|Gather Information +1 (16), Hide +1 (23), Survival +1 (23)||
[/table]
Spells and Stunning Per Day + Grapple Progression
(Includes Bonus Spells; These are the number after the "+" sign. Magic Items are not included in these calculations.
The "SF" column indicates the number of Stunning Fist attempts per day.
Grapple Progression does include Equipment, Magic Items, and Wild Shape.)
{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|SF|Grapple Progression
1st|-|-|-|-|1|+5 (+1 Strength / +4 Jotunbrud)
2nd|-|-|-|-|2|+6 (+1 Strength / +4 Jotunbrud / +1 Base Attack)
3rd|-|-|-|-|2|+11 (+1 Strength / +4 Jotunbrud / +4 Masterwork Scorpion Claws / +2 Base Attack)
4th|-|-|-|-|2|+12
5th|-|-|-|-|2|+13
6th|-|-|-|-|3|+14
7th|0+1|-|-|-|3|+15
8th|0+1|-|-|-|3|+17 (+2 Strength / +4 Jotunbrud / +4 Masterwork Scorpion Claws / +7 Base Attack)
9th|0+1|-|-|-|3|+22 (+2 Strength / +4 Jotunbrud / +4 Improved Grapple / +4 Masterwork Scorpion Claws / +8 Base Attack)
10th|1+1|-|-|-|4|+23
11th|1+1|-|-|-|4|+32(+2 Strength / +4 Jotunbrud / +4 Improved Grapple / +4 Masterwork Scorpion Claws / +8 Gloves of Titan's Grip / +10 Base Attack)
12th|1+1|-|-|-|4|+35 (+4 Strength [Black Bear] / +4 Jotunbrud / +4 Improved Grapple / +4 Mouthpick Scorpion Claws / +8 Gloves of Titan's Grip [w/Wilding Clasp] / +11 Base Attack)
13th|1+1|0+1|-|-|4|+36
14th|1+1|0+1|-|-|5|+37
15th|1+1|1+1|-|-|5|+38
16th|1+1|1+1|0+1|-|5|+39
17th|1+1|1+1|1+1|-|5|+40
18th|2+1|1+1|1+1|0+1|6|+41
19th|2+1|1+1|1+1|1+1|6|+42
20th|2+1|2+1|1+1|1+1|6|+43[/table]
Weath By Level-omancy
(No single item is over 25% of total Wealth By Level at any given level.
Character is assumed to have access to high level casters due to home region.
These are key items; Not all items important to the build are listed, and not all Wealth is used.)
{table=head]Level|Wealth|Cost|Items Acquired
3rd|2700GP|520GP|Masterwork Darkwood Scorpion Claws. Scorpion Claws, Sandstorm -- Page 96; Darkwood, Dungeon Master's Guide -- Page 283
7th|19000GP|8000GP|2 x Wilding Clasps, Magic Item Compendium -- Page 190
11th|66000GP|14000GP|Gloves of Titan's Grip, Magic Item Compendium -- Page 107
12th|88000GP|2000GP|Mouthpick +1 Enhancement, Lords of Madness -- Page 46
16th|260000GP|55000GP|Tome of Understanding +2, Dungeon Master's Guide -- Page 268
[/table]
The Story...
"...Each Warrior wants to leave the mark of his will, his signature, on important acts he touches.
This is not the voice of ego but of the spirit, rising up and declaring that it has something to contribute to the solution of the hardest problems, no matter how vexing..."SpoilerPreface
Please note that this character is from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting. I was going to attempt to weave him into Faerun, but I ran out of time. That being said, I do have something below. I was just being a bit more ambitious than I should have been.
Futher note that all of the Faerun specific characters, organizations, societies, cities, and realms will be either linked to the Forgotten Realms Wiki, or have an annotation listing a paper source in [brackets]. Anything not sourced is probably my creation, but possibly not.
Where It All Started
The story of Ebrahim begins with his mother: Nada Bahadir'Aziz.
She was a fierce woman of the Bedines of Anauroch, and possessed of a strange trait for one of her background: An intense love for learning; Specifically learning related to the arcane magics of outsiders. She discovered from a young age that this was a forbidden subject, so she knew well enough to keep her passion secret.
Learning what she could from travelers and merchants, Nada became a competent magic user after many years of study. She was certainly no Elminster, but she could conjure flames and winds well enough, and somehow she managed to not have her secret found-out.
Nada was the youngest of the Bahadir'Aziz family, which was large for a Bedine family. She had nine sisters which were married before her and no brothers, leaving her father camel-poor and constantly searching for a way to marry her off with as little expense as possible.
An opportunity for Nada's father to rid himself of her came in the form of a traveling merchant who simply called himself Adam. Adam took an immediate like to Nada, calling her "The most beautiful flower in all the desert!" and started marriage negotiations with her father (who never ruled out the possibility of selling Nada to an outsider) as soon as possible.
Adam was a large man, but distinctly Human. He claimed that he had a bit of Giant blood and maybe some Dragon; Often during the negotiations (which took months) he joked that his ancestors fornicated with anything that had the parts and even some that didn't.
Nada expressed her distaste for Adam openly, often chastised her father for considering the idea, and did what she could within traditional Bedine laws to try and prevent the union. She was unsuccessful; Adam and her father came to an agreement despite her attempts.
On the day of the wedding, Nada used her magics to try and escape. She failed in this too, was captured and subdued by the tribe, and declared a witch. In accordance to custom and Bedine laws, they beat her then stripped her naked and banished her into the desert.
Adam, who truly did believe he was in love, denounced the agreement with her father (who did nothing while his daughter was beaten) and rode forth as soon as he could to rescue Nada from her fate (which was likely certain death). He took as much food and water as he could barter; This was much easier than he expected and the tribe's sheikh even offered him several camels...
Unbeknownst to Adam, the sheikh sent a dozen warriors after him to make sure neither he nor Nada survived. When he found Nada, these warriors attacked the two with intent to kill. They did not know, however, that Adam was a warrior of great prowess, and were consequently surprised when he began to fell men as if they were no more than sandgrass. All were brutally slain.
Knowing that Anauroch was now hostile for him, Adam claimed Nada and set course for his home: Silverymoon. On the way, he nursed Nada back to health from the brink of death. This endeared him to her, and the journey found them becoming fast friends.
When they reached Silverymoon, Adam gave her a choice: Marry him and keep him by her side for an eternity, or be left to her own devices and see him leave Silverymoon to pursue more adventures. Nada refused Adam, but not before the heat of passion overtook her...
The Explanation...
"...When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death.The Forms...
A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace..."
SpoilerOverall:
Ebrahim was built to be a mutt that had so much difficulty finding his place in the world that he turned his back on it until the House Invincible (Church of Helm in Silverymoon) gave him purpose.
That's why we start with Monk (This is his personal physical training), then pop into Ranger (This is his embrace of the fierce beauties of nature and spurning of society), drop into Consecrated (This is him realizing he loves his birth place, and wants to protect it), continue with some levels of Justicar (This is him taking a stand for his honor. He believes he's a hunter, an executioner for hire!), and finish with Consecrated.
1st-5th
The first abilities to note at these levels are the Stunning Fist and our Unseelie Fey racial, Winter Chill.
Stunning Fist allows us to Stun an opponent for a round and basically have him lose his turn. Winter Chill forces the opponent to take a penalty to saves equal to our Charisma Modifier (Which is not huge at this level, but it helps Stunning Fist go off).
The two first level feats, Jotunbrud and Knifefighter, allow us some Grapple goodness (+4 from Jotunbrud) and the ability to use light weapons in a Grapple without a -4 penalty to the attack roll (Knifefighter). These feats ARE legal together by RAW; Jotunbrud is not actually listed as a [Regional] feat, it is listed as a [General] feat.
At 2nd Level we get Invisible Fist, which is a wonderful little Monk alternate class feature that allows us to go Invisible every 3 rounds. It's not great, but it's free and works (Being Invisible grants +20 to Hide checks). Arguably, you don't provoke Attacks of Opportunity when you attempt to Grapple because the opponent can't see you...
3rd Level gives us mostly flavor abilities, with the exception being Arcane Hunter. This wonderful alternate class feature gives us Favored Enemy: Arcane Spellcasters, which is handy because it's a broad group. We also get Darkstalker which allows us to Hide against even those with enhanced senses (Tremorsence, Darkvision, Blightsight, etc).
At 4th, we get Damage Reduction 5/Cold Iron from the Unseelie Fey template. Not bad, but do keep in mind that extra damage is done to us by Iron and Steel weapons (1HP on Touch; 1d6+1 on Hit).
There isn't much else to see here... It's basically:
1. Hide
2. Attempt Melee Touch Attack to Start Grapple (Opponent is Flat-Footed, so it's target is AC 10)
3. Grapple (Past 3rd you should win most of the time)
4. Perform Full Attacks in Grapple
5. Stun to Maintain Grapple (Can't try to break free if they're Stunned!)
6th-10th
Combat Expertise and Distracting Attack are some important abilities that we get right on the outset of these levels.
Combat Expertise will be important because we loose our Dexterity to Armor (Which we actually don't have) when we Grapple. Keep in mind that we still get out Wisdom to Armor, so it's not like we have to go all out with this to have it be effective.
Distracting Attack goes off when you hit an opponent with a melee or ranged attack. After you hit, for purposes of your allies' attacks the enemy is considered Flat-Footed. Here's an interesting little RAW tidbit about Allies:
That means what you think it means. You can flank with yourself. This is pretty good now for hitting with the iterative you have, but it gets better later. Originally Posted by Player's Handbook, Page 304
We get mostly flavor from Consecrated Harrier. Lots of Skills get some love from Blessing of Scripture, and Detect Chaos is put in for giggles. The meat we get is a spell from the Ranger spell list. I would suggested Ram's Might (+2 Strength), Camouflage (+10 Hide), or Bloodhound (Reroll Survival for Track) which can all be found on Page 259 or 260 of Spell Compendium.
Justicar in these levels gives us some goodies: The ability to do Non-Lethal with our weapons without the -4 penalty because of Bring 'Em Back Alive, +1d6 Non-Lethal damage to a Flanked opponent (Oh... Hello, Distracting Attack), Improved Grapple for more Grapple goodness, and Crippling Strike to reduce our opponent's Strength every time we hit with a Non-Lethal Attack.
Since Justicar gives us the prerequisites for it, we take Scorpion's Grasp at 9th. This allows us to initiated a Grapple with any successful melee strike, and that strike still does it's full damage.
10th has us in Consecrated again. Sanctified Sight is pretty cool; Who doesn't like a free +4 against Illusions? Oh, and speaking of random defensive abilities: I forgot to mention that our Unseelie Fey template gives us Damage Reduction 10/Cold Iron at 8th.
11th-15th
Justicar starts us off with random goodies: Bonuses to a few skills with Street Savvy. Not super-nice optimization-wise, but it's more flavor in the dish that doesn't hurt the build at all. Weapon Proficiency (Manacles) is something we might use in a roleplaying situation as well, but is probably not going to help us in combat.
Our first meat is the 5th level of Wildshape Ranger. This gives us Wildshape. We're taking Extra Wildshape at the same level so that we can get three uses a day. One Wildshape keeps us going for 5 hours in a single form, so we'll get 15 total hours of other-form goodness. We also get Favored Enemy: Humans, which I believe stacks with Arcane Hunter if the target is both an Arcane caster and Human.
Consecrated gives us some nice debuffs in the form of Dispel Magic and Crushing Despair. The first will help us have a chance to get rid of long-term buffs on our opponent (Important if they cast Grapple enhancing spells), and Crushing Despair will help us augment Saves in our favor (Our Winter's Chill + Crushing Despair will be -4 to Saves at this level). Keep in mind that the bonus for Blessing of Scripture counts toward the Caster Level of these...
Our final feat in these levels is Weakening Touch. This wonderful little bastard allows us to expend a Stunning Fist attempt to instead lay down a -6 penalty to Strength. Combine with Crippling Strike and our already decent Grapple, this helps us maintain holds even better (We delayed getting this because we really didn't have the SF attempts to waste until now).
New Consecrated spells I would consider would be Bear's Endurance (+4 Con) or Owl's Wisdom (+4 Wisdom) which can be found on Page 191 of the Player's Handbook. The first will increase Hit Points, which we have a minimal amount of. The second will increase Armor Class, which we have little of (unless Wildshaped), and Stunning Fist or Weakening Touch DC's.
16th-20th
We don't get much in the way of abilities that directly affect combat here. False Vision and Impeccable Hunt are really story points disguised as class features. Still, we've kept Survival high just in case the Dungeon Master wants to allow us to actually [b]do[/i] something with it.
Blessing of Scripture gets an increase here, which is nice because we're going to boost our Caster Level some more at 18th via Practiced Spellcaster. That should make our Dispel Magic check around effective Claster Level of 18th.
We do maintain full Base Attack otherwise, and get more spells. The ones I would suggest for 3rd are: Find the Gap (Attack Ignore Armor and Natural Armor) from Spell Compendium Page 260 so we can dump more into Combat Expertise, and Greater Magic Fang from Player's Handbook Page 192. For 4th, we'd want maybe Snake Bite (Arms turn into poisonous snakes) in Spell Compendium Page 261, or Foebane (Your weapon becomes +5 and deals +2d6 damage
against a favored enemy) on Page 260 of the Spell Compendium.
SpoilerAll Purpose: Fleshraker [Monster Manual 3 -- Page 40] - Level 12
If available, this is the ultimate form. It has Pounce, it has Poison, it has Rake, it has decent Strength, and it had decent Armor Class.
With our Wisdom to Armor, this thing is going to hit 24-25 AC without extra items. With items layered on, it's not impossible to to hit low to mid-30's.
Flying: Desmodu Hunting Bat [Monster Manual 2 -- Page 67] - Level 12
Oddly, this form has a Trip Attack. It's a little strange, but not bad. Overall, though, we're not interested in this for for it's abilities. We want it for flight, and it's a good form for that.
Just like the Fleshraker, this thing is looking at a 24-25 AC with our Wisdom to Armor. Again, hitting low to mid-30's with random items would be cake.
Grapple: Black Bear [Monster Manual 1 -- Page 269] - Level 12
The most likely available form. It's not great, but it has everything we need to use our gear and a decent Strength. The lack of any special abilities is what really sets it back...
With our Wisdom to Armor, this thing is looking at 17-18 AC without items. That's terrible. If we're going to survive with this form, it needs gear that will increase it's armor.
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2012-02-04, 07:51 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Unless I've missed something in my inbox, that's the last of them. On your marks, get set, JUDGE!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entries:
1.Venator Incorporum
2.The Silver Hawk
3.D'Arnis
4.Mayael the Unforgiven
5.Nakam Ovilka
6.Yohana Mulsh
7.Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk
8.Cassius Humatiel
9.Thorik Stonetooth
10.Griblax Tookersnout
11.Jan Kwan
12.Genji
13.Lama de Maldini
14.Qilin
15.Manx Fireheart
16.Shere Khan Sing
17.Ebrahim Bahadir'AzizLast edited by Amphetryon; 2012-02-06 at 08:34 AM.
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2012-02-04, 07:59 PM (ISO 8601)Dwarf in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jun 2011
- Location
- Minnesota
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
I have to give props to Griblax Tookersnout. That build is AWESOME; Using Mother Cyst/Cyst Magic with the tracking abilities of Consecrated Harrier is GENIUS.
"What is Sanity? Madness put to good use. What is our waking life? A dream controlled."
-George Santayana
Spoiler
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2012-02-04, 08:00 PM (ISO 8601)Troll in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Bellona
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Whew... quite a good number of builds! 17 total? That's a pretty big departure from last time, with just five builds. Guess this one got a lot more people inspired!
My original idea never came together, but the main idea was to pick up three levels of Ordained Champion, and use the Ordained Champion's channeling ability to channel Mark of Justice on attacks, giving it a no-save curse. I made a pretty solid build with Cleric, Crusader and Ordained Champion going into Consecrated Harrier, but that main trick could only be done now and then thanks to the Harrier's low number of spells per day. Anyhow, this was the build stub:
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LG Hellbred, Crusader 4/Cleric 3/Ordained Champion 3/Consecrated Harrier 10
1. Crusader1- City Slicker, Devil's Favor
2. Cleric1- WF (Longsword), Law Devotion
3. Cleric2- Power Attack
4. Crusader2- Devil's Sight
5. Cleric3-
6. Ordained Champion1- Track, Improved Sunder
7. Consecrated Harrier1-
8. Ordained Champion2- Diehard
9. Ordained champion3- Awesome Smite
10. Consecrated Harrier2-
11. Consecrated Harrier3-
12. Consecrated Harrier4- Combat Brute
13. Consecrated Harrier5-
14. Consecrated Harrier6- Devil's Flesh
15. Consecrated Harrier7- Extra Granted Maneuver
16. Consecrated Harrier8-
17. Consecrated Harrier9-
18. Consecrated Harrier10- Travel Devotion
19. Crusader3-
20. Crusader4-
Never really got anywhere with it beyond this stub, though, and I just didn't have the heart to try to stat out skills, do the formatting, and write up a story on the whole build. Anyhow, I think the build I submitted was better for the contest regardless...
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2012-02-04, 08:02 PM (ISO 8601)Ettin in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2010
- Location
- Where I live.
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
I see a definite lack of ninja and Swordsage; I would have thought they would be more common.
If you see me try to discuss the nitty-gritty of D&D 5e, kindly point me to my signature and remind me that I shouldn't. Please and thank you! Originally Posted by segtrfyhtfgj
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2012-02-04, 08:33 PM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
- Join Date
- Sep 2011
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
I had a LOT of ideas for this one that I thought were going to be too obvious.
warblade crusader consecrated harrier Ruby knight vindicator was one of em. The fluff of RKV actually blends REAL well with Harrier's fluff. But I figured using ToB was risky at best. Too many fan boys who would chew me up and spit me out if I didn't take the right maneuvers.
For a brief moment I thought about trying to do a John Rambo or a Patrick Jane versus Red John metaphor build.
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2012-02-04, 09:00 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2011
- Location
- In the internet
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
My build was going to be a hellbred paladin/grey guard going into consecrated harrier, sort of like a darker batman.
I wondered if anyone was going to use city slicker, as it makes entry much easier, I was surprised only Cassius Humatiel used it.
Seriously it means any full BAB class can enter at lv6 and any 3/4 class by lv8.Sorry for my absence, but had a creative block for the past while.
SpoilerThere are countless ingredients that make up the human body and mind, like all the components that make up me as an individual with my own personality. Sure, I have a face and voice to distinguish myself from others, but my thoughts and memories are unique only to me, and I carry a sense of my own destiny.
The Zinc Saucier optimisation challenge, now with double prize money! Eternal Tower Campaign setting (WIP)
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2012-02-04, 09:30 PM (ISO 8601)Titan in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Terra Australis
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
- Venator Incorporum Forestlord Elf Spirit Shaman 9/Shadowstriker 3/Consecrated Harrier 8
- The Silver Hawk Human Ranger 4/Feat Rogue 2/Consecrated Harrier 10/Cragtop Archer 4
- D’Arnis Shifter Ranger 3/Warblade 2/Reach Runner 5/Consecrated Harrier 10
- Mayael Necropolitan Hellbred Blackguard 10/Consecrated Harrier 10
- Nakam Ovilka Goliath Swordsage 7/Consecrated Harrier 9/Goliath Liberator 4
- Yojana Mulsh Azurin Cleric 3 /Incarnate 2/Sapphire Hierarch 8/Consecrated Harrier 7
- Ral'Tik-Deja'raluk Thri-Kreen Fighter 2 / Ranger 1 / Jaunter 4 / Consecrated Harrier 10
- Cassius Humatiel Lumi Psychic Warrior 3/Slayer 4/Binder 1/Consecrated Harrier 10
- Thorik Stonetooth Shield Dwarf Golden Hands Rogue 4/Crusader 2/Consecrated Harrier 10/ Deepstone Sentinel 4
- Griblax Tookersnout Jermlaine Cleric 10/ Consecrated Harrier 10
- Jan Kwan Human Scout 5/Combat Trapsmith 5/Concecrated Harrier 10
- Genji Anthropomorphic Bat Factotum 8/Consecrated Harrier 10/Master of Masks 2
- Lama de Maldini Wild Elf Ranger 4/Bloodhound8/Consecrated Harrier 8
- Qilin Changeling Totemist 6/Warshaper 2/Justiciar 2/Consecrated Harrier 10
- Manx Fireheart Human Factotum 3/Fighter 2/Ranger 2/ Consecrated Harrier 8/Exemplar 5
- Shere Khan Sing Shifter Ninja 2/Ranger 4/Consecrated Harrier 10/Weretouched Master 4
- Ebrahim Bahadir'Aziz Unseelie Fey Silverbrow Human Monk 2/Wildshape Ranger 5/Consecrated Harrier 9/Justicar 4
1
My own entry that I started working on was a Lumi Swordsage 4/Paladin 2/Consecreated Harrier 10Last edited by Thurbane; 2012-02-05 at 02:11 AM.
My winning competition entries: Kinvig Arrumskor | The Great Pumpkinhead | Wynfrith d'Acker
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2012-02-04, 09:52 PM (ISO 8601)Ettin in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2010
- Location
- Where I live.
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
You know? I was going to make an Unseelie Fey Medusa 10/Consecrated Harrier 10 build; basically, it would be a really bad situation to let them near you, and, well, if you need to retrieve someone, a stone to flesh spell is easy enough to get.
Then I realized how not-fun that build would be to play; seriously, there were NO real class features beyond some poison and the gaze until I hit Consecrated Harrier.If you see me try to discuss the nitty-gritty of D&D 5e, kindly point me to my signature and remind me that I shouldn't. Please and thank you! Originally Posted by segtrfyhtfgj
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2012-02-04, 10:01 PM (ISO 8601)Ogre in the Playground
- Join Date
- Aug 2009
- Location
- Canada
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
I was trying to use a variant druid to qualify as early as possible. I really gotta stop trying for that coveted "Early Entry". It isn't worth it.
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2012-02-04, 10:37 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Corrected two bits based on copy-pasta.
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2012-02-04, 10:50 PM (ISO 8601)Ogre in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2007
- Location
- Chicago Suburbs
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
By my count, we've got the following:
7 Rangers of various ilk.
2 Clerics.
2 Rogues.
And those are the only base class repeats, out of 17 entries.
Wow, Playground. This is way, way cool.Iron Chef Award!
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2012-02-04, 11:00 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Excellent job on this one guys. There are a ton of interesting, unique builds here.
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2012-02-04, 11:10 PM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
- Join Date
- Sep 2011
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
Yeh, the judges are gonna need some extra time. That is a LOT of words to process.
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2012-02-04, 11:26 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jun 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
I'm glad to see a Golden Hands rogue; I was working on one mixed with swordsage for some decent two-weapon fighting and WIS synergy. I was also trying to pursue a totemist w/ Hunter's Circlet along with Azure Enmity and Soultouched Spellcasting to kick Consecrated Harrier class features up a notch. My last idea involved the unspellable duraak'ash from Dragonmarked to make a great locator, but didn't have anything else to make him sizzle.
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2012-02-04, 11:54 PM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
- Join Date
- Sep 2011
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
lol, I just put away all my books and closed all my tabs from creating 2 builds. I couldn't believe 2 builds could drag out soooo many sources.
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2012-02-05, 12:38 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Aug 2006
- Location
- Utah
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge In The Playground XXIX
The build idea I didn't have time to develop and finalize was a Soulbow. Something along the lines of Urban Ranger 1 / Soulknife 4 / Soulbow 5 / Consecrated Harrier 10. Very WIS-SAD.
You can call me Draz.
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Also of note:
- Winning Entry of Gestalt Build Challenge IV
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- Judge of Iron Chef XXIII (Divine Champion)
I have a number of ongoing projects that I manically jump between to spend my free time ... so don't be surprised when I post a lot about something for a few days, then burn out and abandon it.
... yes, I need to be tested for ADHD.
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